Michael Williams Band
Waterfront Blues Festival
Portland, OR.
July 3, 2009
Recorded from KBOO FM a local all volunteer radio station. There are always reception problems and drops in sound from this station. Maybe it's just where I live. Anyway, I have tried to find and fix all the drops in sound. This year not all the first day was broadcast. Not sure why. Etta James canceled and was replaced by Keb Mo' but his recording contract wouldn't allow his broadcast.
Please understand that I don't know all these bands and it's hard for me to come up with all the set list's. I'll do my best and ask for help when needed.
Linage: FM tuner straight to HD>CD Wave>EAC with SBE's fixed>TLH>FLAC>torrent.
This is a big undertaking for me every year and I love doing it. Please leave your comments, I enjoy reading them. Enjoy the tunes, twofthrs
“Quartet gives blues fest a rousing wake-up call. Those who were there, including mimosa-drinking revelers rising from the boats, anchored by the festival grounds, were treated to a caffeinated jolt awake by the Michael Williams Band, a rocking Seattle blues quartet rooted in the Music of Jimi Hendrix”. - Kyle O’Brien – The Oregonian
Michael LePaul Williams, son of the late Junior Medlow Williams, legendary Texas bluesman (lead vocalist in The Cobras, whose guitarists included Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chris Duarte), is one of the few guitarists who can claim by heritage and genuine talent the title of “guitar slinger.”
Michael draws upon the influences of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix with his blistering licks and performance energy. Add to this his dynamic voice and soulful song-writing skills, and you have the ingredients of Michael's boundless talent. Already, he’s had the opportunity to work with many accomplished musicians including his father, Junior Medlow and the Bad Boys, Willie Nelson, and Chris Duarte. After the passing of his father, Michael moved to Seattle to carry on his legacy as well as to pay tribute to one of his heroes, Jimi Hendrix. In Seattle, Michael formed the Michael Williams Band and subsequently released his first EP “The Apology” and his first album “King of the Dead” with veteran players, Tony Williams on drums; Gerald “Tugboat” Turner, who plays a masterful bass guitar; and Ryan Shea Smith on keys. The Washington Blues Society nominated them as "The Best Unsigned Band."
The future certainly looks bright for Michael Williams. He has begun work on his new album, which will be produced by the legendary, multi Grammy-award winning producer/engineer, Eddie Kramer. Mr, Kramer, possibly best known for engineering every Jimi Hendrix album, has a resume of credits that includes the greatest music names of all-time, (Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Santana, Johnny Winter, Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie and Buddy Guy.) Unquestionably, Michael is greatly honored to have the chance to work with Eddie Kramer. Joining Michael in the studio for this album with be Gerald “Tugboat” Turner on bass, Darin Watkins on drums, and Ryan Shea Smith on keys. The official CD release is scheduled for July 3, 2009 at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, OR in dedication and honor of the late Paul Nielson, co-founder of the Cascade Blues Association, now one of the most viable Blues organizations in the country.
As a professional photographer Paul had the pleasure of photographing such greats as Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, James Cotton, Luther Johnson, Curtis Salgado, Eric Burdon, Santana, Jeff Beck and Michael Williams. Paul is greatly missed and will always be remembered in the Blues community.
The Michael Williams Band will be donating a portion of the proceeds from album sales to support autism research.
Set List
1. Hedrix tune?
2. just don't forget me
3. well enough
4. hey baby
5. born under a bad sign
6. lawdy mama
7. ??