Keller at the Fargo

Try to imagine a musical Swiss Army knife standing barefoot on stage, with guitars, basses and drum machines instead of corkscrews and scissors.

Often described as a “one-man jam band,” Keller Williams can impress a packed house with a microphone and just one of his many guitars, but that is only where his talents begin. His musical style matches his musical talent in that it appears to have no boundaries or limitations. Keller, always on a quest for new sounds, never fails to bring something new to his show.

Last week, the Fargo Theater was host to this musical mad-scientist, and those fortunate enough to attend were treated to an intimate, up-close and personal performance. Even before the show started, an eager anticipation filled the room as people gazed toward this lone figure standing amongst an elaborate set, constructed to mimic the interior of a music shop. Behind him stood walls upon which hung numerous guitars, various stringed instruments, a trumpet, a trombone, guitar strings and magazines. Near the front of the stage sat a glass case displaying pedals and mini keyboards. Atop the case was a cash register, a jar of ear plugs, a “will return at” sign and a ring-for-service bell. Displayed in plain view was a sign reading, “shoplifters will die slowly.”
 
In an interview, Keller described himself as “a music lover first, musician second and songwriter third.” So, while many of the songs he played were originals, his show, like his music, was layered with covers from the Grateful Dead, Michael Franti, North Mississippi All-Stars and Cracker.

Standing underneath the cozy stage lighting of the Fargo Theater, Keller unleashed his sound and had fans on their feet and dancing minutes into the show.  Whether performing a straight up singer-with-guitar ditty, or a full-on showcase of multiple-personality musicianship, each song he played had its own hidden treasures. From the very beginning of the show, Keller introduced his musical complexity, showcasing a wide variety of instruments while redefining the norm of how an instrument can be played.

He began the show with his trusty road guitar, a Martin six-string acoustic, then he moved to his electric bass, and eventually, he held his Godin LGXT electric with a synth pick-up to his mouth, blew across the strings, and played it like a flute. I still haven’t quite figured out how that works, but fortunately I have photographs, so at least I know it was real.

Watching Keller intertwine his various sounds was like watching a magic act unfold. I have seen many musicians attempt to loop their music, and it can get a little clumsy-sounding and often redundant, but with Keller it is almost sleight of hand. His hi-tech setup allowed him to capture and loop sounds and then move on to another instrument, adding layer upon layer as he wove together a complex and intricate soundscape. And for all the technology involved in the show, it still came out sounding completely organic.

He was able to combine not only different instruments, but entire genres of music throughout his show. In the end it simply came out as good music. Keller’s easygoing and humble persona seeped into the audience, and I could feel their appreciation not only for his music, but conversely his appreciation for his listeners.  His music made me want to greet complete strangers in the crowd and smile for no reason.  He knows exactly what he’s meant to be doing, and lucky for us, he’s out there doing it.

My only criticism of the show would be that it didn’t sell out. The balcony was cordoned off and there was still room at the back of the main floor. However, Keller is a touring artist, and I think he understands better than anyone that repeat business can pay off. So hopefully if we cross our fingers, he’ll come back to our friendly little town.

Hindsight is 20/20, but I did come across a section on his official website titled, “Street Team” which asks fans to hang posters and give away handbills prior to his arrival. A person can sign up to become a part of “Team Keller” and promote upcoming shows and album releases by passing out promo materials like stickers, postcards, CD samples, etc. Keller’s website is full of all kinds of other good stuff too, so check him out at http://www.kellerwilliams.net.
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