Brooks Williams

http://www.brookswilliams.com

Brooks Williams hails from Statesboro, Georgia, the town made famous by country-blues legend Blind Willie McTell. Ranked in the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists, he’s a mean finger-picker and a stunning slide guitarist. Plus, “he has a beautiful voice,” says AmericanaUK, “that you just melt into.” Not one easy to pigeon-hole, Brooks' music is the love-child of country-blues and Americana. fRoots says, "Soulful Americana, full-on blues and tasty rootsy grooves. He really rocks!”

Williams got his start in the clubs and bars around Boston, the same music scene that years earlier sparked the careers of Bonnie Raitt and Chris Smither. There, playing 5-6 nights a week, he developed his signature sound: laid-back low-country vocals floating over Resonator riffs, Piedmont picking, and cigar box slide. No wonder friend and fellow guitar wizard Martin Simpson calls Brooks the “Real Thing!”

His massive repertoire reads like a roots music Hall Of Fame. Classic blues ranging from Bessie Smith to Memphis Slim. Compelling covers from the likes of Dave Alvin, Buddy Miller and Mose Allison. “On top of all this,” writes American Roots UK, “is his songwriting which stands comparison with virtually any of his peers.” Rooted in tradition his songs are timeless. Utterly contemporary they are wryly observed and relevant.

With twenty-two albums to his name, including “Brooks’ Blues” (2017), “My Turn Now” (2016) and “Shreveport Sessions” (2014), and a vigorous touring schedule, Williams is one of acoustic roots music’s guiding lights. From festival stages to listening rooms, from Newport to Philly, Boston to Glasgow, Cambridge to Belfast, London to Detroit, Brooks Williams is, says the San Antonio Light, “a fret monster who has to be seen to be believed!”

YouTube & Concerts

REVIEWS

"At the top of his game, setting new standards and a fresh direction for the blues." Blues In Britain

"The real thing." Martin Simpson

"Top Banana!" (No Bones Jones, Green Trader Award, Glastonbury Festival 2010)

"Soulful Americana, full-on blues, and tasty rootsy grooves." fRoots

"He's a true master of everything guitar, from acoustic to slide to electric to resonator, nylon-string to arch-top to cigar-box!" Fatea

"Williams is not only an excellent story teller, he’s not afraid of using a melody." Rocking Magpie

"If Pete Seeger is right, and the answer to world peace is music, Brooks Williams would make a great choice for ambassador." Sing Out

"Like a more upbeat Bruce Cockburn - from an artist who only gets better with every release." Mojo

"Stop. Look. And above all listen." The Village Voice

�"In person and on record, his passion for musical discovery and his joy at sharing those discoveries make Brooks Williams a one-of-a-kind artist. Brooks Williams is a journey agent of the highest order. Enjoy the trip!" Bob McWilliams, Host,"Trail Mix", Kansas Public Radio

"His soothing well-oiled vocals are sweet without affectation. Yet his blues-drenched guitar has grizzle and tough knowledge." The Boston Herald

"Williams couldn't play a more appropriate acoustic guitar if he tried. His guitar sounds glorious and full-bodied - what is that thing?" Guitar Player

"One of the most consistently excellent musicians in roots music. On top of all this is his songwriting which stands comparison with virtually any of his peers." American Roots UK

"Sublime, no nonsense, rhythmic roots." R2

“Top 100 All-time Artists” WUMB-FM, Boston USA

“How soulful a solo guitarist can be when he has talent, taste and astonishing technique.” Blues Revue

“Melodic virtuosity on the guitar that runs like liquid from his fingers.” The Irish News

“Deft, tasteful guitar chops.” Rolling Stone

"Brooks Williams would undoubtedly be hailed as one of the acoustic guitar gods of our time were he not also such a sweet singer and smart songwriter." The Boston Globe