Keller Williams, also known as K-Dub, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who seamlessly blends various genres such as bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, electronica/dance, jazz, and funk. His unique style has earned him the title of a 'one-man jam-band,' as he skillfully uses live phrase looping with multiple instruments to create captivating performances.
Born on February 4, 1970, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Keller Williams discovered his passion for music in his early teens. He honed his skills on the guitar and went on to study theater at Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia Beach. However, it was his move to Colorado that truly propelled his music career and allowed him to explore and expand his musical repertoire.
Touring
While Keller Williams primarily performs as a solo artist, he has also collaborated and toured with esteemed bands such as Yonder Mountain String Band, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, Ratdog, and many more. His dynamic performances have graced renowned music festivals like Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, AllGood Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Rothbury Festival, and Jam Cruise.
Williams is known for his audio taping policy at his shows, encouraging non-commercial trading of recordings. However, the use of video or flash photography, as well as recordings for profit, is strictly prohibited.
Keller Williams Incident
One notable collaborative project of Keller Williams is his partnership with The String Cheese Incident, resulting in the formation of the "Keller Williams Incident." Williams and SCI joined forces after he witnessed the band's performance in Colorado. An exchange was made, with Williams offering to perform with them in return for free ski passes. Their collaborative album, "Breathe," was released in 1999.
Caption: Larry Keel and Keller Williams jamming on a riverboat, May 25, 2010.
Keller Williams with Moseley, Droll, and Sipe
Another notable project of Keller Williams is his collaboration with a backing band known as "Keller Williams with Moseley, Droll, and Sipe." Initially called the WMDs, the band debuted at the Bonnaroo music festival in 2007. The group consists of Williams on rhythm guitar, Jeff Sipe on drums, Keith Moseley on bass, and Gibb Droll on lead guitar.
Keller and The Keels
"Keller & The Keels" is a bluegrass project featuring Keller Williams and the talented husband and wife duo, Larry Keel and Jenny Keel. In 2006, they released "Grass," a collection of original and cover songs. They followed up with "Thief," an album of cover songs, in 2010. Their most recent album, "Speed," was released in 2019, showcasing a blend of Larry Keel's and Keller Williams' compositions alongside several covers.
Instruments
As a self-taught musician, Keller Williams is known for his skillful use of a variety of instruments connected to a Boss Loop Station RC-300 phrase looper pedal. This equipment allows him to record and loop musical phrases, creating layered and dynamic performances. Williams also incorporates a wide range of effects and instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, bass guitar, percussion, synthesizer, piano, theremin, drums, and even Boomwhackers percussion tubes.
Other Projects and Discography
Besides his solo career and collaborative projects, Keller Williams has been involved in various other endeavors. He hosts the radio show "Keller's Cellar" and has undertaken intriguing projects like the "Once a Week Freek," where he released a new song/video each week. Williams has also performed alongside Grateful Dead drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart as a member of the Rhythm Devils.
With an impressive discography spanning several decades, Keller Williams has released numerous albums, including "Freek," "Buzz," "Spun," "Breathe," "Loop," "Laugh," "Dance," "Home," "Grass," "Dream," "12," "Odd," "Thief," "Kids," "Bass," "Pick," "Keys," "Funk," "Dos," "Vape," "Raw," "Sans," "Add," "Speed," "Cell," and "Grit." These albums showcase his versatility and creativity as a musician.
Keller Williams continues to captivate audiences with his innovative approach to music, his boundless energy on stage, and his ability to masterfully weave together various genres. His performances are a testament to his expertise, authority, trustworthiness, and experience in the industry, making him a true musical powerhouse.
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