Keith Williams Jr an extraordinary and experienced musician who has been playing drums since the age of 3. He started playing at church with the encouragement of his parents and under the mentorship of his uncle Tony Williams (of L.A.), and continued playing in school. A teacher named Jim Hodge introduced Keith to Big Band Jazz at College Park High School. Throughout school Keith honed his skills by playing in various jazz combos, meeting his friend Mike Blankenship (in college at Diablo Valley College), playing R&B and all of the latest songs of the day as well as Jazz. Keith's encounter and friendship with Mike expanded his vision and desire to one-day play professionally. Growing up in the “melting pot” that the Bay Area is famous for influenced Keith to focus in on his skills as a drummer. The ability to play various styles was a must in the Bay Area. For example, one morning you could find Keith playing gospel music at his dad’s church, the same evening you would hear him playing Contemporary Christian Music (CCM – rock based) at a local Evangelical Church. The night would end with sitting in with his friend’s blues band. He would also sit in once a month with a jazz big band in Oakland. The music in the Bay Area is comparable to the population – a true “melting pot”.
In 2001, Keith moved to Los Angeles to pursue his education and music career. Los Angeles presented many opportunities for Keith. He had already had friends and family a great support system to help him establish his “roots”. His first friends when he moved back to Los Angeles were Greg Dendy, who in turn introduced him to another great friend and mentor Felix Pollard. This relationship grew as Keith studied under Felix setting up his gear around town learning the music business. Opportunities soon would come from being mentored by Felix, as he was a respected musician around town. Also Felix, and another friend and great musician Brandon Coleman introduced Keith to his future wife Candice Bereal (who is also a musician). Playing in various clubs for different emerging artists helped Keith really develop a sound that would become the foundation to his sound today. Having opportunities to work with local bands like “Cross Town Traffic” (CTT) helped Keith learn “Top 40” covers and introduce him to more musicians.
Being able to play in diverse and varied situations, Keith has had opportunities to record and play with many artist such as: Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, Anita Wilson, Arrested Development, CeCe Peniston, Tiffany, Loverboy, The Knack, Tommy Tutone, Sophie B. Hawkins, Wang Chung, Irene Cara, Howard Jones, PM Dawn, American Idol's Pia Toscano, Clay Aiken, Jamie Foxx, Steve Oliver, THREESTYLE. feat. Magdalena Chovancova, Jazz in Pink’s Gail Johnson, Kirk Whalum, Eric Marienthal, Marrion Meadows, CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder and many more.... Keith can be heard providing drums on Spectra Records artist Phil Gates’ album titled Twelve Rhythms due out 2016. He recorded a music video and album with independent artist Darius Lux whose song “Best Day of My Life” can be heard on NBA.Com’s “Greatest 90’s dunks”. He also recorded an album with the group Jazz in Pink. Currently, Keith has been sharing the stage with Grammy Award artist Norman Brown. They will be performing in Japan this February 2016 and across the United States.
I write this sitting here in September never imagining that live music would be almost non-existence. But I am encouraged that the community of musicians I know are doing ok and surving this Covid-19 pandemic. Health, healing, and time with the family are at a premium. I want to thank the many people I have been fortunate to work with during this year and many blessings to them. My wife (Candice Williams) droppped her single "Black Beauty" under our record label Breaking Free Productions. I also am on Phil Gates new album "In the pocket" came out early September 2020. So music is still happening. Hope all of you are well be blessed looking forward to see you on a stage in the near future.
It's that time of year for the Dr. Andrea Humphrey's 2019 Unstuck Conference to be held in Brea, CA September 26th-28th. Backstage Consultants' 3rd year of providing the technical and instrument backline support for this high powered conference featuring Dr. Andrea Humphrey, Queen Cora Coleman (Drummer for Prince, and Beyonce...), Simon T. Bailey (Breakthrough Strategist), Sheree Fletcher (American Actress), Chante Moore (R&B Great), Lena Byrd Miles (Gospel Great), Lydia Rene, and NBC's The Voice Keisha Renee and many more. The past years have been quite an experience, and we look forward to this years conference serving Dr. Humphrey and her guest to an excellent standard that Backstage Consultants.
It's has been a minute since we have last touch base. This past August was a busy month for me. My wife (Candice Williams) and I have a group that we officially started to name and work under called, "The Williams Collective". It's a project that we are very passionant about because we get a chance to work together in a professional scene. This past August 10th we were able to travel to Vacaville, CA to perform an event with some friends of ours: Carolyn Richardson - vocals, Andy Meixner - guitar, and Erik Sanchez - bass. It was a great experience and looking forward to sharing some more experiences for The Williams Collective.
Gig in Florida at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival, this will be my second time in the state of Florida and the first at the Seabreeze Jazz Festival. Looking forward to seeing/& working with the band again.
This gig will be change scenary but not energy. Looking forward to working with the guys.
Hey "Back-to-Back Nights at the Kobe Steakhouse...this should be a fun tight gig.
At it again with Derek Bordeaux at the Kobe Steakhouse in Seal Beach, CA 7:30pm.
The Harlem Renanisance celebrating their 100th year. I have the pleasure of being on drums with Chris Wilson (keys) leading the way and Kevin O'Neal (upright bass). This will be fun at the Ace Hotel...
Back at it again with Jensen heading the 3pc Rock band with Andy Meixner, Erik Sanchez and yours truly on drums....Downtown L.A.
Live in Seal Beach, CA Valentine's Day
Hey guys we are getting the Phil Gates band back together for a U.S. Show. Phil has been overseas for the past year in a half, but will be back this winter to play. Stay tuned for more information. Mean while check out this youtube clip:
https://youtu.be/uYLuiAb59qc
Gig with Mark Haynie on the Washington Pier weekly. Beautiful views located on the Washington Pier with great sounded music.
This gig joins me with Cori Jacobs awesome keyboard player live at the Viper Room
Jazz at the Mediterrean Club in San Diego, CA
https://youtu.be/M-yy3XYAFbw
Gig at the Mediterrean Club in San Diego
https://youtu.be/ZM7dkTf4jZc
Gig with Carolyn at Vitelo's in Studio City, CA
Gig with Mark Haynie on the Washington Pier weekly. Beautiful views located on the Washington Pier with great sounded music.
Gig with Mark Haynie on the Washington Pier weekly. Beautiful views located on the Washington Pier with great sounded music.
Gig with Mark Haynie on the Washington Pier weekly. Beautiful views located on the Washington Pier with great sounded music.
Gig with Mark Haynie on the Washington Pier weekly. Beautiful views located on the Washington Pier with great sounded music.
Show w/ Lori Grace feature serveral acts that cover the greats like Aretha Franklin, Deniece Williams, Natalie Cole held at the Bellflower Civic Center
KW Collective has been asked to be the house band at a private event held at the Grand in Long Beach.
Yesterday the KW Collective performed at the Santa Monica Women's Club in Santa Monica, CA. KW Collective led by Keith Williams on drums utilizes many of his friends that he has worked with over many years. The KW Collective mission is to provide music in multiple genre (jazz, rock, blues, and even country).
Hey it's been a great year 2017. Started the year in Mozimbuque, Africa, then spent sometime in "Jo-burg" South Africa. My family celebrated the birth of our 3rd daughter Melody. I finished school with my BA (if you haven't finished I encourage you to do it, it's never too late). 2017 also brought in some dates in Cleveland, OH, Omaha, NE, Denver, CO, Richmond and Hampton, VA. 2017 also started working with a new artist Nina Lares and a great band led by Tim Kobza. Threestyle came back to the U.S. for their Fall tour hitting Spagatteni's in Seal Beach, Palm Springs, and San Diego. Looking forward to working with new people and grateful for the experience of the old ones.
This year I am excited lots of opportunities happening and family is growing doing well. I hope and pray that everyone has a blessed New Year. Scheduled to be traveling to Mozimbque, Africa this spring. Stay tune for more details
We are back in the Bay Area! Hope to see you at Yoshi's Oakland.
Great news, I am preparing to head overseas to Japan to perform with Jazz guitarist Norman Brown. Should be a great time, hope to see you there.
Great News, I have partnered with Rich Sticks to use their drum sticks. I'm already loving the product, and the people at Rich Sticks are great. Can't wait for my signature sticks to arrive, hopefully in time for the Japan Tour.
Norman Brown
Gail Jhonson
Performing with Men's Quartet Group as a guest musician
Santa Monica, CA
Clinic to mentor young men teaching them about drums, life in the music business, and other life skills.
KW Collection will serve as the house band for a private event at the Grand.
Gig with my wife and business partner Candice Williams, and our friends Carolyn, Andy, and Erik.
Worked with Tony Exum Jr, Joel Del Rasario, Jon White, and Vandell Andrew. The band was Jermone Randall (MD/Bass), Tatang (Keys), Kay-Ta (Guitar), and myself (drums)
Performed with Justin Young. Band was Roberto Vally (Bass), and Bill Steinway (Keys).