Sync, the first studio album from KWahtro, the most recent ensemble from genre hopping multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Keller Williams, will be released on January 20.
Led by Williams on guitar and vocals, KWahtro features the superb musicianship of bassist Danton Boller (Jazz Mandolin Project, Roy Hargrove), guitarist and longtime Williams’ collaborator Gibb Droll (Brandi Carlisle, Bruce Hornsby) and drummer Rodney Holmes (Carlos Santana, Steve Kimock). Special guests include The Accidentals, Mike Dillon and Williams’ son Cabell Williams.
KWahtro performs what can be referred to as “acoustic dance music.” With songs primarily written by Williams, the music infuses reggae, folk, jazz, afrobeat and dance rhythms into new, and innovative arrangements. The improvisational nature of the performances allows freedom as well as precision by musicians who have formed a symbiotic relationship. Like the album title, KWahtro are four musical spirits fully in sync, creating a sound that is something unto itself.
KWahtro will perform a handful of special dates in the Northwest in January (see dates below), with more to come later in 2017. Williams will spend most of January through April touring with one of his heroes, acoustic legend Leo Kottke. Their celebrated Shut The Folk Up & Listen tour will pick up on January 12 in Ridgefield, CT. Williams will also be performing solo dates. (See Dates Below).
As if one release wasn’t enough, on January 20, Williams will also release Raw, a 10-song collection of solo acoustic material. These straightforward performances are not enhanced by the masterful looping Williams has become known for during his solo performances. Raw showcases the artist and his instrument, hence the aptly titled album.
To coincide with the release of Sync and Raw, Williams has joined forces with the Summer Camp Music Festival for the “Go to Summer Camp with Keller” contest. The prize includes an all expenses paid trip to Summer Camp Music Festival (flights for two & rental car) as well as two VIP Weekend passes to the festival, backstage access during Keller’s set and two pairs of Keen shoes To enter, fans can purchase Sync or Raw (CD, Digital Download, or Vinyl) through www.kellerwilliams.net before 1/20/2017 and receive two entries into the contest. Purchase Sync or Raw between 1/20/2017 and 3/5/2017 and receive a single entry. Visit www.kellerwilliams.net for more info and official rules!
Keller Williams 2017 Tour Dates Thus Far
January 12 - Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse *
January 13 - Rutland, VT - Paramount Theatre *
January 14 - Keene, NH - The Colonial Theatre *
January 19 - Eugene, OR - WoW Hall ~
January 20 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom ~
January 21 - Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge ~
January 26 - Ocala, FL - Reilly Arts Center *
January 27 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theater *
Januar 28 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Parker Playhouse *
February 02 - Cincinnati, FL - Live at the Ludlow Garage *
February 03 - Pittsburg, PA - Carnegie of Homestead Music *
February 04 - Buffalo, NY - Performing Arts Center Rockwell Hall *
February 09 - Davenport, IA - Redstone Room #
February 10 - Omaha, NE - Waiting Room #
February 11 - Minneapolis, MN - The Cedar #
February 16 - Durham, NC - Carolina Theatre *
February 17 - Greensboro, NC - Carolina Theatre *
February 18 - Washington, DC - Lincoln Theatre *
February 23 - New York, NY - New York Society for Ethical Culture *
February 24 - New Brunswick, NJ - State Theatre *
February 25 - Beverly, MA - Cabot Performing Arts Center *
March 09 - St. Louis, MO - Sheldon Concert Hall *
March 10 - Chicago, IL - Park West *
March 11 - Madison, WI - Barrymore Theatre *
March 16 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig #
March 17 - Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection #
March 18 - Indianapolis, IN - The Vogue #
March 30 - Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room *
March 31 - Phoenix, AZ - Marquee *
April 01 - Green Valley, AZ - Green Valley Rec Center *
April 06 - Jacksonville, FL - Florida Theatre *
April 07 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse *
April 08 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall *
* = Shut the Folk Up & Listen ft. Leo Kottke & Keller Williams
~ = KWahtro
# = Keller Williams Solo