Keller Instinct

Thanks to the advent of sound-looping technology, the traditional one-man band can now multiply himself into a veritable one-man symphony. But even with the coolest, newest toys, you have to have serious chops and an innovative approach to keep an audience rapt and dancing all by yourself. That's where Keller...

By Jonathan Zwickel

September 22, 2005

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Thanks to the advent of sound-looping technology, the traditional one-man band can now multiply himself into a veritable one-man symphony. But even with the coolest, newest toys, you have to have serious chops and an innovative approach to keep an audience rapt and dancing all by yourself. That's where Keller Williams comes in. The Pennsylvania-born underground phenom is sort of like a hippiefied version of the Roots' Rahzel: He beatboxes, he sings, he plays guitars, basses, and didgeridoos, literally all at the same time. Sampling his own mouth-made beats and playing intricate lead and rhythm runs on looped guitars, Williams delivers warm, clever originals and well-chosen covers (from the Grateful Dead to "Ghostbusters") done in his own softly funky style. Williams is far more than the novelty act his strange stage set-up and goofy tunes portray; he's a wildly talented, unpredictable musician, and his shows are always a great time.

Keller Williams and special guest soul man Raul Midon play at 8 p.m. Friday, September 23, at the Carefree Theater, 2000 S. Dixie Hwy., West Palm Beach. Tickets cost $22. Call 561-833-7305.

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