About this user
OFFICIAL CD RELEASE JUNE 8, 2011
House of Blues - Houston TX
with Buddy Guy
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Michael Williams, born in Houston, TX -- and son of the late Texas Blues Legend Junior Medlow Williams -- is one of the few guitarists today who can claim by legacy to be born in the blues. Michael draws upon the influences of Junior Medlow, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the other blues-guitar legends like Muddy Waters, Albert King, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Jimi Hendrix. Yet he has blended his own, rich signature-tone through a mastery of traditional blues, a dynamic voice, soulful songwriting, blistering licks, and very intense performance energy. Michael's father, Junior Medlow Williams, entertained audiences for over 20 years with a powerful voice and stage presence as the frontman for the Cobras (1978-84), The Bad Boys (1986-90), and Tornado Alley (1990-96).
After the passing of his father, Michael moved to Seattle to carry on his family legacy as well as to pay homage to one of his biggest influences; the great Jimi Hendrix. While there he formed the Michael Williams Band, and shortly thereafter, The Washington Blues Society nominated them as one of Seattle's Best Unsigned Bands. The Band released their first album "King of the Dead" in 2008 on the independent record label, True Blue Productions, LLC. Michael's had the opportunity to work with many accomplished musicians including his father, Junior Medlow and the Bad Boys, Willie Nelson, and Chris Duarte.
ABOUT THE BAND:
Supporting Michael is a powerful trio of very accomplished musicians, all of whom are well recognized in their own right. They are of Ryan Shea Smith on keyboard, Jeff Leonard on bass, and Darin Watkins. It is by no coincidence that they are products of the Great Seattle Music Scene, which arguably could be one of the most influential cities for rock, jazz R&B, and soul music as it serves as birthplace of Jimi Hendrix & Quincy Jones. Each member brings a diverse background of influences to compliment Michael: Ryan brings over 30 years of jazz, gospel, blues, and R&B influence to the keys and background vocals. In addition, he is an integral part of the creative process and songwriting team, and was a John Lennon Songwriting Award Winner for the acclaimed jazz album "Stay Awhile"; Jeff Leonard is a very professional live and studio bassist and brings with him funk, soul, and blues-rock influences. Darin adds a deftly smooth, yet hard-hitting style to the drums that is rooted in classic rock n' roll, jazz, and the blues. The rhythm section comprised of Darin and Jeff has been playing together for over 10 years.
Together with Michael, this powerful quartet is attracting major attention with their unique blend of blues-rock and unforgettable live performances.
ABOUT TRUE BLUE PRODUCTIONS LLC
True Blues Production LLC is an independent record label founded in 1999 in Seattle, WA by Ryan Shea Smith, Lance Ramesh, Eric Nielsen, and the late-Paul Nielsen. Paul was the founder the Cascade Blues Society and the Cascade Waterfront Blues Festival. His passion for the Blues was immeasurable, and his legacy, love, and commitment to blues music are an inspiration to us all.
MICHAELWILLIAMSBAND
added to a playlist
8 months ago
