Brooks Williams is an acoustic guitarist, singer-songwriter and blues and folk musician from Statesboro. Born in 1958, he develops a style rooted in blues and folk, with influences that also include jazz, classical, slide guitar and fingerstyle playing.

Williams begins releasing albums in 1989 and builds a catalogue that includes both contemporary folk records and instrumental guitar albums. His early solo release North From Statesboro presents solo guitar and voice, while later recordings include Back To Mercy, Knife Edge, Little Lion and Blues and Ballads. He releases fifteen CDs on labels including Green Linnet, Signature Sounds, Solid Air and Red Guitar Blue Music. His music also receives radio play on public and college stations, and his signature guitar work is heard between news segments on National Public Radio. His song “Forget About Him” becomes a regular feature on XM Radio, and his version of Blind Boy Fuller’s “Weepin’ Willow Blues” is one of his better-known covers.

Musical style and recordings

Williams combines roots, blues, jazz, classical and folk elements in a broad acoustic approach. His playing uses funky chords, walking bass lines and lead work, and his material ranges from originals and ballads to instrumentals. He is also known as an interpreter of other writers’ songs and recordings.

Touring and performances

He tours extensively in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and appears regularly on club, coffeehouse and festival stages. Venues and events associated with his performances include The Marlborough Jazz Festival in England, Whelan's in Dublin, Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, The Snow Goose Theater in Anchorage, Summer-fest in New Bedford and Uncle Calvin's in Dallas.

Collaborations and teaching

Williams works as a collaborator and educator as well as a solo performer. He records and performs in a duo with violinist and singer Rani Arbo, plays Guitar Summit concerts with Paul Asbell, appears in singer-songwriter rounds with Garnet Rogers, and joins Steve Tilston for Trans-Atlantic Song-swap concerts. He also leads guitar, performance and songwriting workshops at events including The Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage Guitar Week, Midnight Sun Song Camp, Cedar Run Song Workshops, Newport Guitar Festival and Summer Acoustic Music Week. In addition, he runs summer day camps for children, teaching beginning blues and roots guitar.

Compilations and tributes

Williams contributes tracks to a number of compilations and tribute releases, including the National Reso-phonic Instrumental Project, Letters To Bert, Wonderland, the Steve Tilston box set and DeLovely Guitar. His arrangements appear on some of these releases, including “I Wonder As I Wander,” “Here Comes The Night” and “You’re The Top.” He also contributes an essay to Between The Strings: The Secret Lives of Guitars.

Later work and role in the acoustic guitar scene

Williams lives in the Northampton area of Western Massachusetts and records for Red Guitar Blue Music. He is presented as a guitarist, songwriter, singer and teacher whose work spans solo performance, duo projects, ensemble concerts and educational work, with a focus on preserving and passing on acoustic guitar traditions.