Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Keller Williams yesterday releases Bass – his 17th album and the first to feature him only on bass guitar. In-line with his always prolific and diverse musical talents, Keller announces a run of spring shows with his latest collaboration, The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams – including stops in Colorado on April 12, 13, and 14.
Starting with 1994’s Freek, Keller has done solo albums, live albums, one with The String Cheese Incident, another with Bob Weir, Michael Franti, Bela Fleck and a bunch of other personal heroes, a bluegrass covers album with Keller & The Keels, a children’s album, a remix album, and more. For Bass Keller shows off, you guessed it, his bass skills with his first record that finds the multi-instrumentalist only on bass guitar.
Bass is also the first album to be recorded with Keller’s live reggae-funk band Kdubalicious. Formed in late 2010, in addition to Keller on bass and vocals, the group features Jay Starling on keyboards and Mark D on drums. Though Keller’s music, both what he listens to and what he puts out, may always be changing and evolving, there’s always one constant: his unique, playful songwriting. Bass is no different in that regard. This may be reggae music – with heavy doses of dub, funk, jazz and even bits of pop and psychedelia – but at the core, it’s a Keller Williams record, his warm voice and equally inviting attitude driving the positive vibrations.
Look for Keller on tour in 2012 in any of his various incarnations, including his newest collaboration – The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams – which debuted this fall at Magnolia Fest, Voodoo Music Festival, and others. Brought together by equal parts mutual admiration and the desire to change the musical landscape while staying true to their roots, The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams are a perfect – albeit unexpected – fit. The two have a lot in common after all: their high energy, ever-evolving live shows, their individual playing prowess, and their strong and unique song writing skills. It’s a perfect marriage of instrumental virtuosos, memorable songwriting, infectious musical camaraderie, and undeniable energy. And with both acts known to bring epic and spontaneous live collaborations to theaters and festivals across America – The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams take this collaborative spirit one step further, bringing something fresh and unexpected to the live stage. The first 2012 dates are announced today – a spring run in the mountains of Colorado (April 12, 13 and 14) – with more dates to be announced in the coming months.
Visit kellerwilliams.net for information and tickets.
The current list of confirmed dates is as follows:
Wednesday, December 28 Lincoln Theatre Raleigh NC KIDS Matinee
Wednesday, December 28 Lincoln Theatre Raleigh NC with Kdubalicious
Thursday, December 29 The National Richmond VA KIDS Matinee
Thursday, December 29 The National Richmond VA with The Pimps of Joytime and Kdubalicious
Friday, December 30 The Norva Norfolk VA KIDS Matinee
Friday, December 30 The Norva Norfolk VA with The Pimps of Joytime and Kdubalicious
Saturday, December 31 Brooklyn Performing Arts Center Wilmington NC Keller and the Keels and Kdubalicious
Monday, January 9 – Thursday, January 12 Jam Cruise 10 Fort Lauderdale FL Keller and The Keels
Friday, January 13 The Abbey Bar at ABC Harrisburg PA
Saturday, January 14 Mr. Smalls Theatre Millvale PA
Tuesday, January 17 New York Guitar Festival New York NY
Thursday, January 19 Harlow’s Sacramento CA
Friday, January 20 Arcata Theatre Arcata CA
Saturday, January 21 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA KIDS Matinee
Saturday, January 21 Great American Music Hall San Francisco CA
Sunday, January 22 Mystic Theatre Petaluma CA
Wednesday, February 1 SLO Brewing Co San Luis Obispo CA
Thursday, February 2 Coach House San Juan Capistrano CA
Friday, February 3 Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach CA
Saturday, February 4 Club Nokia @ LA Live Los Angeles CA with moe.
Friday, February 17 Ziggy’s Winston Salem NC
Saturday, February 18 Orange Peel Asheville NC
Wednesday, March 14 – Saturday, March 17 Jam in the ‘Dam, The Melkweg Amsterdam NL
Friday, April 6 Belly Up Aspen Aspen CO
Thursday, April 12 Aggie Theatre Fort Collins CO The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams
Friday, April 13 Boulder Theater Boulder CO The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams with Head for the Hills supporting
Saturday, April 14 Ogden Theatre Denver CO The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams
Sunday, April 15 McDowell Mountain Music Festival Phoenix AZ The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams
Tuesday, July 3 Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Washburn WI The Travelin’ McCourys Featuring Keller Williams
Look for Keller Williams’ complete list of fall tour dates at kellerwilliams.net
