‘Touching people’s lives’
Atlanta musician joins Howlin Holiday Jam benefit for kids
For six years, the Howlin Holiday Jam has brought together local musicians for a great cause.
The event is a benefit for New Day Youth and Family Services. And this year the event will be getting a visit from Atlanta-based musician Kebbi Williams. The Grammy Award-winning saxophone player has a regular gig with the Tedeschi Trucks Band.
And he’s toured with George Clinton and Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as being a studio musician for the likes of John Legend, Janelle Monae, Big Boi, Lionel Richie and TLC, to name a few.
He also started the annual “Music in the Park” in Atlanta, which gives back locally.
And he jumped at the chance to help make a difference in Albuquerque.
“First and foremost, it’s a benefit for children, and I really love New Day and what they do,” he says in a recent phone interview. “I initially connected with John (Nichols), who was working with Tedeschi Trucks Band. We connected on the charity level. I enjoy coming back to Albuquerque for this show.”
When Williams arrives for the show on Saturday, Dec. 16, he will be joined on stage by local musicians Chris Dracup, Artha Meadors, Kevin Cummings and Joey Santiago. The night will be headlined by Albuquerque rock band Red Light Cameras. “John always puts together special musicians,” Williams says. “I personally love that. Some people like playing with their own band, and for me, personally, I like the excitement of playing with other musicians on the fly.”
When it comes to musical influence, Williams was inspired by his father, Earl.
His father, a multiinstrumentalist who plays bass, keys, banjo, harmonica, flute and saxophone, taught the younger Williams about music. Not to mention that Kebbi Williams’ uncle is the late Milan Williams of The Commodores fame.
The tenor saxophone that Williams plays is from his father. A rarity from the 1920s, a CONN M, it’s the only saxophone he’s played.
“I used to play every day when I was younger because I was practicing my skills,” he says. “Today when I practice, it’s more of an artistic exploration. It’s on a different level. It’s less about playing sax and more about touching people’s lives with music.”