Keller Williams

Cool name right? Keller Williams – sounds like the cool kid in high school (or a real estate mogul). At some point in the 90’s I was playing at the Portsmouth Music Hall with my group Strangfolk. Through The String Cheese Incident’s manager Mike Luba, we had been introduced to his latest client, Keller Williams. Would we have him open for us? Sure. (Note to self: never be a dick to the opening act – these days I am opening for Keller)

At the time Keller Williams was traveling with his wife (or future wife), and his dog. I think he still travels with them both, as well as his loyal engineer Lou (engineer and backing vocals), and these days maybe even his kids.

Supported by this close-knit clan, Keller Williams is a one man band. Besides his fantastic musicianship and his congenial stage presence, Keller is a mad scientist of the loop. He plays percussion parts, records them, moves on to a bass part, records that, then rhythm guitar, records, backing vocals, records, and then when the potion is mixed he releases his rock spell. Unleashing each part and then singing and playing lead over all the parts he has recorded and looped – this dance is one of the most unique live performances I have ever seen.

What I am continually impressed by with Keller Williams is not only his gift of musicianship and poise, but also his courage and stamina. It takes an incredible amount of personal brawn to get on stage night after night by yourself and deliver. There is no one else to depend on if you are tired or sick, or just bored. It all rides on you, and Keller delivers.

One meets a host of characters over the course of a Rock ‘n’ Roll journey. I can say with certainty that Keller Williams is not only one of the finest musicians I have come across, but also one of the greatest dudes. His charisma and authenticity play as well offstage as they do on.