Singer/songwriter Keller Willams to perform at UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo will present Keller Williams at 8 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the Mainstage Theatre in the Center for the Arts on the UB North (Amherst) Campus.

The life of Keller Williams has been one long musical adventure, contributing to his reputation as one of today's most distinctive and impressive guitarists/singer-songwriters.

Williams is a one-man band for the digital age. The use of an effects device known as the "jam-man" allows him to loop sounds and layer them into a rich and thick wall of rhythms and melodies.

Using innovative looping technology and innate musical genius, Keller's live solo performances pack more music on one stage than a full rock ensemble. Williams stands out for his unique approach to folk music and for his undeniable rhythmic mystique.

This singer/songwriter's playful combination of musical genres blended with clever lyrics to ignite imagination, inspiration and smiles. Respected and appreciated for his musical creativity, such techniques as "mouth flugel" and "guitar beats" contribute to his signature sound. Keller consistently exploits the freedom of music, and the result is marvelous. Keller has mastered a profound sense of delicacy and timing: skills that greatly contribute a depth and momentum in his unique live performance.

According to Billboard magazine, "Williams is easily the world's greatest one-man jamband…"

Williams has released nine albums and a live performance DVD since 1994. Each album was formed around a unique, single-word concept. Some albums feature Keller solo, and some with featured accompanists. Released in 2004, "Stage," his latest double-cd encompasses live recordings from his extensive touring. "Home" (2003) was recorded in Keller's hometown of Fredericksburg, Va., and he is the only performer on the album. "Home" was in fact Keller's first-ever completely solo studio recording. "Loop" (2000) focused on Williams' use of digital looping technology. His third album, "Breathe" (1999) was created and recorded with The String Cheese Incident.

Recently, Williams has been playing in front of shoulder-to-shoulder crowds throughout the country. Music lovers pack the venues to witness the inventive solo performance that has garnered this genuine talent the nickname of "mad scientist." Many have used similar techniques on stage and in the studio, but no one has taken it to such unique places as Williams.

Tickets for Keller Williams are $20. Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Center for the Arts Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, including Kaufmann's. To charge tickets, call 852-5000; in Canada, call 1-416-870-8000. For group sales, call 645-6771. For more information, call 645-ARTS. The Center for the Arts is a Ticketfast location.