Keller Williams One Man Band :: essays research papers fc

Imagine attending a concert in which if you were to close your eyes, you would assume that the music you are hearing is being created by a cast of band members, each playing their respective instruments. Contrary to your assumptions, however, this band scarce consists of one member. Keller Williams, dubbed by critics as a one-man-band, is one of a kind both in his musical talent and his solo act. Very few solo musicians have mastered such a multi-dimensional sound and enthralling live show as Keller, making him standout amongst todays musicians. Kellers ability to perform improvisational live shows, form a large and dedicated yellowish br hold base, and share the beliefs and attitudes of the hippie generation has given him the musical identity of the jam band genre in addition to his personal identity of being a solo act. Keller grew up in of Fredericksburg, Virginia and first began performing at the early age of 16. Without any formal teaching, he taught himself how to the play the guitar, mimicking the styles of his role models John Fahey, social lion Kottke, and the late Michael Hedges. Williams started out playing in bars and restaurants in his hometown. He played in various bands to help him get a feel for his own skills. After doing so, he discrete that a band would not suite the type of music path he was set out for and quickly decided to take a more solo-oriented route. The type of music Keller creates fuses elements of rock, funk, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and techno. His lyrics are usually lighthearted, inventive and conjuring images of a twisted reality (Keller Williams Bio). It is these characteristics, combined with the looping techniques that he uses to create a full-band sound with only himself on stage, which is what further distinguishes Williams from all other musicians. Placed in the genre of jam bands, Keller is able to create a solo jamming experience with the use of his arsenal of various instruments. Keller was introduced to looping tec hniques by Flecktones bassist Victor Wooten, which he now uses to build a full-band sound with only one man on stage (Keller Williams Brings). A typical song go out begin by Williams playing a guitar riff which he will then loop so that it repeats continuously. Next, he might pick up other guitar, of which he has collection numbering eight or so, and record another riff which he will loop on top of the original riff.