Brooks Williams

Brooks Williams



"How soulful a solo guitarist can be when he has 
talent, taste and astonishing technique."
(Blues Revue)

"Darkness" Playing with his colleague Boo Hewerdine State of the Union)

Brooks'  journey takes him all the way from his home in Statesboro (Georgia) via Boston (New England)  to Cambridge (UK). He is the quintessential "Journeyman" musician who has mastered musical styles on his way and made them his own. He has spent the last 23 years on the road, giging with the likes of  Taj Mahal, Paul Jones, John Hammond and many more. He has performed extensively across the North America & Europe and was one of the headline acts at this years' Shrewsbury Folk Festival. His prodigious talent and musical knowledge reflects his dedication to his art and his skill in captivating the audience and his large fan base. He was recently named one of the top 100 Acoustic Guitarists (Acustic Magazine) and has over 17 recordings to his name.

Brooks at Glastonbury 2012

He is not only a blues man but the blues remains an integral part of his musical persona reflecting his roots in Georgia. He is a virtuoso on bottleneck slide as well as his effortless fingerpicking and flat picking styles. He plays a mixture of traditional roots music interspersed with his own original material.

Blind Willie McTell's original recording

Brooks Williams (hometown) Statesboro Blues

I first heard the "Statesboro Blues" on Taj Mahal's electrifying debut album in 1968. The songs goes back much further and Brooks' version reflects Blind Willie McTell original recording. Many believed that Blind Willie was also a native of Statesboro, but he was born in Thomson (Georgia) referring to Staesboro as his "real home". Not a bad legacy to hail from!

Sadly we missed Brook's performance at Glastonbury this year, despite the fact that our stall is close to the Burbon Stage where he played. It is often the acts that you sadly miss at Glastonbury that makes you want to back again the following year!

We hope to see you in Montgomery on 25th February to join us at this unique gig. Numbers are limited, so get hold of your tickets as soon as possible!

His latest Album in partnership with fellow member of "The State of the Union" Boo Hewerdine

"A beautiful album, full of classy playing and great songs" (Acoustic Magazine) State of the Union is a masterclass in song writing, showing off the talents of bluesy American stalwart Brooks Williams and cult British singer-songwriter Boo Hewerdine to full effect. Whether it's authentic Americana, delicate ballads, re-imagining modern pop or a new take on the classic standard "Peg And Awl" the union of Williams and Hewerdine is in a wildly creative state, producing one of the year's must-have albums

Brooks Williams "Weeping Willow Blues"

The Gig

• 25th February 2012: Brooks Williams
• Montgomery Youth Centre: 7.30 p.m.
• £12 per person
• Bring your own drinks and glasses
• "Savoury nibbles" provided
• Tickets from "Bunners" or hmdjones@btinternet.com

Discography
Baby O! (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2010)
The Time I Spend With You (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2008)
Blues and Ballads (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2006)
Guitar Player (Solid Air Records, 2005)
Live Solo (Red Guitar Blue Music, 2004)
Nectar (Signature Sounds, 2003)
Acoustic Beginnings 1990-1991: A Best Of (Red Guitar Blue Music, )2002
Skiffle-Bop (Signature Sounds, 2001)
Dead Sea Café 1992-1997: A Best Of (Silent Planet Records, 2000)
Little Lion (Signature Sounds, 2000)
Hundred Year Shadow (Signature Sounds, 1999)
Seven Sisters (Green Linnet Records, 1997)
Knife Edge (Green Linnet Records, 1996)
Ring Some Changes: Guitar Duets with Jim Henry (Signature Sounds, 1995)
Inland Sailor (Green Linnet Records, 1994)
Back To Mercy (Green Linnet Records, 1992)
How The Night-time Sings (Red Guitar Blue Music, 1991)
North From Statesboro (Red Guitar Blue Music, 1990)


Links
Brooks Williams:      http://brookswilliams.com/
My Space:                 http://www.myspace.com/redguitarbluemusic
No Bones Jones:       http://www.nobonesjones.co.uk/