Davey Williams (musician) facts for kids
Davey J. Williams (born in York, Alabama in 1952 – died April 5, 2019) was an American guitarist known for playing free improvisation and avant-garde music. This means he often made up music on the spot and explored new, experimental sounds. Besides his solo work, he was a member of the band Curlew and often worked with musician LaDonna Smith.
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Davey's Musical Journey
Davey Williams started playing the guitar when he was 12 years old. As a teenager, he played in rock bands. He also learned a lot about the blues from a famous blues musician named Johnny Shines from the late 1960s until 1971.
In the early 1970s, Davey played in jazz and soul bands at the University of Alabama. Around this time, he also began working with LaDonna Smith, who became a frequent musical partner. Together, they started a music group and recording project called Transmuseq. Davey traveled across the U.S. and Europe in 1978, sharing his unique music. In the early 1980s, he played in a blues band called Trains in Trouble.
Playing in Bands and Collaborations
In 1986, Davey joined the band Curlew. They released several albums in the 1990s, showing off their experimental sound. During the 1980s, he also worked with Col. Bruce Hampton and the band OK, Nurse. In the early 1990s, he even played in a punk rock band called Fuzzy Sons.
Davey was part of an improvisational group called Say What? and collaborated with other musicians like Jim Staley and Ikue Mori. He performed live in about 1,500 concerts all over the world, sharing his innovative guitar playing with many audiences.
Beyond Performing Music
Davey Williams wasn't just a performer; he also helped create The Improviser, a journal about experimental music, which started in 1981. He also wrote about music as a critic for the Birmingham News newspaper and other publications.
Davey Williams passed away in Birmingham, Alabama, on April 5, 2019, after battling cancer. He left behind a legacy of unique and adventurous music.
Selected Recordings
Davey Williams released many recordings throughout his career, often exploring new sounds and ideas. He frequently collaborated with LaDonna Smith on albums like Trans, Folk Music, and Alchemical Rowdies. He also released solo guitar improvisations such as Criminal Pursuits. His work with various bands and musicians showed his wide range of musical interests, from blues to punk rock and free improvisation.
