Jeff Williams

We all have passions. We all have the one or two things that we can turn to that put our lives right when things are rough. I am fortunate enough to have a few, music, canoeing and dogs. Music ( something I talk about frequently ) can instantly change my perspective and lift me back up. Canoeing and simply being active outdoors will always ground me. Dogs have an unconditional acceptance of us and  being greeted by a wagging tail when you've been gone for an hour or even a minute is always comforting. I hope that everyone has a chance to follow or experience at least one of their passions. In this hyper accelerated world I believe our passions can help to bring some reality and meaning back into our lives.

Well I'm doing it... yup a song with no chorus. Now most people will say that with no chorus there's nothing to bring the listener's attention back. I'm trying it anyway. Others will remind me of the saying "Don't bore us, get to the chorus!" Does this mean that in all of the songs ever written people only find the chorus interesting? I hope not. I think with a flowing melody and lyrics that aren't to detailed it can be done. Wish me luck and I'll let you know as soon as I road test it if it worked or not! You can also give me your opinion if you want.

Ok, I have a guilty pleasure... I'm a big fan of the night time musical soap opera Nashville. The magic had been recently removed however when I watched a behind  the scenes show where they talked to the actors and the songwriters. What was brought to light was that two of the shows main characters, Gunner and Scarlet ( who by the way have incredible southern accents ) are actually from the UK. I guess the thing that blew me away was they would sing with the southern accents and then they would talk with quite proper english ones. A bit of a double take happens the first time you hear it. The other thing that also came to light was that this is pretty much way that entertainment on the whole works. Are you able to play a part that is not necessarily exactly who you are. I often wonder that about myself?

Hey Folks,
Recently I have had two polar opposite reactions to some of the songs I play while gigging. For the most part I play original tunes being that I am a singer/songwriter. The balance of my songs are covers and of those I'd say that 25% are songs performed by women. At one gig I had a wait staff thank me and say that she has never seen a male singer performing so many women's songs. At another gig a guy in the audience say and I quote " You play too many Girly Tunes ".  Honestly for me, music has no boundaries or restrictions. If I like a song I play it plain and simple. If a venue doesn't hire me because of that then I will find a place that will or I'll just play out in the street. End of story.

FYI... my song Lucky Life is entered in the CBC SEARCHLIGHT competition if you want to give it a vote!
www.music.cbc.ca/#/artists/Jeff-Williams

Cheers to everyone celebrating St. Patrick's Day!  Here's a few "generally accepted" historical details that most people haven't heard of. St. Patrick was possibly born in Scotland or Wales.  At the age of 16 he was captured by Irish pirates and was enslaved and held captive for six years. While in captivity he worked as a shepherd and this is when he developed spiritually. After escaping captivity Patrick returned home in his early twenties and studied Christianity with the desire to bring it back to Ireland.  He returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary and was instrumental in the building of more than 300 churches and the baptizing of over 100,000 people.  He once used the shamrock in a parable to describe the Holy Trinity and since then the shamrock and the colour green have been associated with St. Patrick.   March 17th is believed to be his death date and is celebrated as his Feast Day. Although he was never formally canonized by a Pope, he is considered to be in the List of Saints.

One of my new singles "Lucky Life" has sparked a debate amongst some of my FB friends. It seems that I have written a Country & Western song. Now I really think of myself as a Folk Rock artist but with all the genre crossovers who really knows anymore. I guess when I listen to it I can hear parts from a multitude of musical styles but does that really matter? When I write the first thing I try to do is say something... make the lyrics and the idea count. If I accomplish that then I work on a melody and go from there. I don't think I knowingly set out to make a certain sounding style but you tell me. The song is "Lucky Life"... Country & Western or something else?

An excellent Sunday... later today I will be part of a Fight For Life Cancer Telethon ( very exciting ) and I just finished watching Canada win the Gold Medal in Men's Olympic Hockey!  Along with the Gold for the Women's Hockey and all the other winners and participants I enjoyed this Winter Olympics very much. Canada was represented with integrity, class and grit... way to go Canada!!!

Yes I've been out of the blog loop for a few weeks... my apologies! I've been wrestling a pesky cold bug but I think it's under control now. So here's a quick update on what's  happening... I have lots of new gigs and some exciting new venues happening and will post them on the Shows Page as they become confirmed. I will also be joining a band as their vocalist... details TBA but as a taster it will be something quite different musically and I'm very excited! So have a great Family Day Weekend and thanks for the support!!!

Here I am again, leaving this year behind and looking forward to the next.  The lowest points of 2013 were saying goodbye to Rona and Fred, two amazing souls who were good dear friends. The high points, all equally exciting and in random order are as follows - reuniting with friends from the past - Wendy and Mike, Kim and Brian, Big Guy, Brian and Wendy, Katie, Nina and all of the new partners and friends connected with them - playing more gigs than I ever have and making new friends as a result - recording and releasing two songs that made it to radio, thankyou Wipper family for your help - and last but not least, looking forward to celebrating another New Years Day birthday with my family!  Have a great New Year everyone!