Keller Williams asked himself one day, ‘If I could play with anyone on an album, who would it be?’ His list was long and distinguished with names like Jon Scofield, Bob Weir, Victor Wooten, Charlie Hunter, Michael Franti, Bela Fleck, Steve Kimock, and String Cheese Incident. With very little expectation, Keller figured there was no harm in asking. Only when he did ask, apparently nobody refused. A ‘Dream’ realized and an incredible compilation is born.
Carefully utilizing the eclectic array of talent that said ‘yes,’ Keller has fashioned a creative, unique feel to his ninth studio album, ‘Dream.’ There are 16 tracks and more than 20 guest musicians. On one track, Keller plays bass in a power trio with Steve Kimock on guitar and Jeff Sipe on drums. Playing bluegrass with Bela Fleck, trading licks with Charlie Hunter, or even being in the same room plugged in with Jon Scofield or Victor Wooten are monumental opportunities.
In my experience, when solo artists create a compilation with other artists the album often loses the essence of the solo artist. This is not the case here. Dream balances the talent and style of the various artists, but Keller strongly remains at the helm.
He is typically known as the one-man jam band, although he is a guitar player at heart, wielding modified 12-strings and a Martin HD-28. But Keller also utilizes an Echoplex delay system that allows him to loop sounds as well as layer instruments on top of another. During his solo performances, Keller hops around from station to station going between bass, guitar, percussion, synthesizer, and vocals – playing and layering each instrument into one big fat musical experience.
His technical talents have always been apparent, but a lot of his music has been typical jam band material. In Dream, Keller’s compositional skills show a growing maturity. The all-original song list offers a mix of genres – bluegrass, reggae, folk, funk – each carefully crafted. The entire album possesses a fresh sound that is energetic and musically melodic with foot-stomping beats and a get-down atmosphere.
And while Keller still has his laid-back cruising style, he’s traded in his ‘Double Decker Double Wide’ for a ‘Cadillac’ and seems to be rolling on down the road. ‘I think I could live, in the back of my Cadillac,’ sings Keller on this latest album. Tracks like ‘Cookies’ and ‘Rainy Days’ echo his humble and humorous approach to all life has to offer.
Keller’s lighthearted style and music resonates with audiences of all tastes. All thumbs up for Keller’s latest foot-stompin’ jamboree. With so many talents on one album it’s a must have. Check out the album and all the other Keller goodies at kellerwilliams.net.
Keller Williams and Michael Franti with Spearhead will be playing Mont Bleu Resort Showroom on February 18. Tickets are $33 advance and $35 at the door. Show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling Montbleu at 800-648-3353 or at ticketmaster.com.
