Keller Williams Take the Stage

Keller Williams is redefining the term “one-man band.” He began 11 years ago in the bars and restaurants of Fredericksburg, Va., as a singer/songwriter. Today, his innovative live use of digitally recorded and looped sounds—whether tearing up a guitar solo or banging out a beat on plastic tubes—finds him performing to larger crowds each time he returns to a particular town. Williams’ sound is masterfully documented on his latest release, the double-live album, Stage.

“I was looking for different avenues to go down to make the show more interesting, at least for myself,” Williams says of his unique live approach, on a rare night off from the studio, his nearly non-stop tour and his very own radio show. “I guess what led me to it was probably just boredom, and wanting more of a dance vibe.”

The improvisational nature of his live performances has earned him acceptance from the growing jamband scene, including tours with The String Cheese Incident and Dave Matthews, frequent appearances at summer festivals like Bonnaroo and a pair of Jammy Award nominations.

“I’ve been included in the jamband scene, and I’m grateful about that. They’re music lovers, like me—I’ve always considered myself a music lover first, a musician second and a songwriter third. So I can jump from one genre to another, and they appreciate that. I very rarely use a set list.”