One-man-band Keller Williams hits the road this spring and summer performing his signature solo sets. Accompanied on stage only by a slew of instruments and musical gadgets, it always feels good to return to the roots of this mad-scientist of music.
For Keller Williams’ newest muse, a 6-piece funk band dubbed More Than a Little, Williams is backed by some of the hardest–hitting players from his Virginia stomping ground – including a lovely duo of backup singers. Performing new, super-funky versions of Williams’ originals and an unexpected collection of cover songs that pays deep homage to the genre’s roots, More Than a Little is fresh, relevant – and yes, SUPER funky. Plans are in the works to soon release a live album of More Than a Little, featuring recordings culled from their run of shows in late 2012. In the meantime, look for More Than a Little making special upcoming appearances in 2013. Currently confirmed dates are listed below.
On the other end of the spectrum – but just as tasty – is his work with Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys. It’s only after seeing these boys play together live – or listening to the collaboration’s debut recording, Pick (July 3, 2012/SCI Fidelity Records) – that you come to the inescapable realization that this is a meeting that was predestined. Williams, the über-distinctive singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist who’s been described as a “one-man band for the new millennium,” is a tireless musical seeker for whom repetition is never an option. And The Travelin’ McCourys – bluegrass royalty nonpareil with a sharp eye toward innovation – have similarly been dubbed “twenty-first century musical pilgrims and adventurers.” Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts—although the parts are rather massive on their own, to be sure. Williams’ unconventional songwriting takes on even greater weight when backed by The Travelin’ McCourys’ emotive tones. Inspired by Keller’s fearless creativity, The Travelin’ McCourys’ flawless playing gains new depth.
Yes, Keller keeps us on our toes, tapping…and dancing.
Keller Williams 2013 TOUR DATES
Thursday, March 14 The Met Cafe Pawtucket RI
Friday, March 15 Paradise Rock Club Boston MA
Saturday, March 16 Higher Ground South Burlington VT
Friday, March 22 – Saturday, March 23 Suwannee Springfest Live Oak FL Keller & The Keels
Thursday, March 28 Lincoln Theatre Raleigh NC
Friday, March 29 Ziggy’s Winston Salem NC
Saturday, March 30 Trustees Theater Savannah GA Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Friday, April 5 Hookah in the Hills Rome OH
Saturday, April 6 Mt. Lutsen – Papa Charlie’s Lutsen MN Keller Williams solo and Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Thursday, April 11 WOW Hall Eugene OR
Friday, April 12 Aladdin Theatre Portland OR
Saturday, April 13 The Neptune Seattle WA
Friday, April 19 The Birchmere Alexandria VA Keller Williams Solo and Keller Williams and More Than a Little
Saturday, April 20 Theatre of the Living Arts Philadelphia PA Keller Williams solo and Keller Williams and More Than a Little
Friday, April 26 The Jefferson Theater Charlottesville, VA Keller Williams Solo and Keller Williams and More Than A Little
Saturday, May 11 Aiken Bluegrass Festival Aiken SC Keller Williams Solo, Keller & The Keels, and Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Friday, May 24 – Sunday, May 26 Summercamp Chillicothe IL Keller Williams and More Than a Little
Sunday, June 16 Clearwater Festival Westchester NY Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Sunday, July 28 Rockygrass Festival Lyons, CO Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Additional dates to be confirmed.
NOTE FROM ADAM MARCINEK
I have not seen Keller Perform in a number of years, but I will be covering all of the solo action this Friday night in Boston. Be sure to step out and check some of Keller’s sure to be great side projects as well as more from solo Keller this March! As always check back over the weekend for a full gallery from Keller’s show in Boston, and if I’m lucky, some video as well!
Thanks to the fine folks at LiveLoud for the access to this show!
