The Gerry Williams Band

Old-school funk

I first met singer-keyboardist Gerry Williams at another music camp hosted a few years back by Hard Rock Live. With an impressive voice and easy manner, Williams (who pronounces his first name "Gary") was a natural, teaching aspiring pop stars the history of good music: Motown, James Brown, Barry White.

In a way, that's what Williams is doing with his emerging Orlando ensemble, the Gerry Williams Band. It's a big R&B outfit, with powerful horn and rhythm sections. "We want to show all respect to the bands [from] back in the day, like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Ohio Players," says Williams, who plays with the band Saturday at the Social. "I wanted to bring some of that soul back and put a little modern twist on it."

Material slated for the band's upcoming debut EP also has a topical edge to it. There's a song about change, inspired by the death of Williams' brother who had been serving in Iraq.

"The type of music we do is about the way you live and the struggles that you've been through," says Williams, 37. "Funk is almost like blues, it was created during hard times. "Each person in this band has had some sort of struggle and I know a lot of other people can relate to that. We try to take those struggles and turn them into positive energy."

And you might even learn something. - Jim Abbott

Old-school funk

I first met singer-keyboardist Gerry Williams at another music camp hosted a few years back by Hard Rock Live. With an impressive voice and easy manner, Williams (who pronounces his first name "Gary") was a natural, teaching aspiring pop stars the history of good music: Motown, James Brown, Barry White.

In a way, that's what Williams is doing with his emerging Orlando ensemble, the Gerry Williams Band. It's a big R&B outfit, with powerful horn and rhythm sections. "We want to show all respect to the bands [from] back in the day, like Earth, Wind & Fire, The Ohio Players," says Williams, who plays with the band Saturday at the Social. "I wanted to bring some of that soul back and put a little modern twist on it."

Material slated for the band's upcoming debut EP also has a topical edge to it. There's a song about change, inspired by the death of Williams' brother who had been serving in Iraq.

"The type of music we do is about the way you live and the struggles that you've been through," says Williams, 37. "Funk is almost like blues, it was created during hard times. "Each person in this band has had some sort of struggle and I know a lot of other people can relate to that. We try to take those struggles and turn them into positive energy."

And you might even learn something. - Jim Abbott

Gerry Williams Band is a Local funk, soul and R&B act that knows both its roots and how to ignite a party.

- By Bao Le-Huu of The Orlando Weekly

Orlando, Florida -- August, 7 2007 -- A refreshing talent and sound to the funk/soul genre is here. Native Floridian, Gerry Williams is known as the talented musician, songwriter, vocal coach and producer. For several years, Gerry's focus has been on teaching and producing music. In the year 2000, Gerry established GW-1 Productions specializing in music production and vocal instruction. He's produced for top talent in the music industry and has developed artists who've become successful names in the music business. Gerry's work has been noted in various media circuits, he's appeared as judge for talent competitions (Miss Teen USA 2002) music conference panels (Starrs Showcase2001,GEMS 2004) and as vocal instructor for music reality shows (MTV's Big In America 2006), (VH1's Mission: Man band 2007) . Respected in the business, Gerry Williams comes highly recommended by many music industry professionals.

Although Gerry enjoys teaching and producing music, he has always dreamed of working on his own album. However, with a consistently busy schedule, reserving the time to work on his own project was going to take a lot of hard work. He never gave up. Gerry wanted to produce an album that appeals to a variety of audiences. With patience and perseverance he continued to write songs knowing that one day the time will come. Now, That time has arrived. Gerry is currently in the studio recording his long awaited debut album entitled "Hold On". The album will feature songs written and produced by Gerry Williams. Filled with captivating lyrics, live instrumentation and original arrangements, backed up by a 10 piece band of funky musicians. The screaming horns section fill up the room, Rhythmic Percussion keeps the flow while the drummer holds the groove. The bass guitar and electric guitars keep it funky all the time. And Gerry brings the soul with his powerful, gospel rooted vocals as he plays the keyboard and vibraphone. Gerry's lyrics are story telling and intense. With songs like "Ghetto" that speaks about the realism of living in the ghetto."Band Wagon" is about pop wannabees that jump on the band wagon for reasons other than respect for the art. "GetAway" speaks of a time in Gerry's life when he felt there was no way out of the stress surrounding him as a young man. Followed by "Never" a dedication to being introduced to real love for the first time. Other songs like "Strut" are full of funk that you just can't help but groove to. Gerry's music is definitely soulful and real. Through Gerry's music and perfomances you'll be introduced to a refreshing kind of talent that embodies the term "Artist".
- INTRODUCING THE MULTI-TALENTED GERRY WILLIAMS

Orlando, Florida -- August, 7 2007 -- A refreshing talent and sound to the funk/soul genre is here. Native Floridian, Gerry Williams is known as the talented musician, songwriter, vocal coach and producer. For several years, Gerry's focus has been on teaching and producing music. In the year 2000, Gerry established GW-1 Productions specializing in music production and vocal instruction. He's produced for top talent in the music industry and has developed artists who've become successful names in the music business. Gerry's work has been noted in various media circuits, he's appeared as judge for talent competitions (Miss Teen USA 2002) music conference panels (Starrs Showcase2001,GEMS 2004) and as vocal instructor for music reality shows (MTV's Big In America 2006), (VH1's Mission: Man band 2007) . Respected in the business, Gerry Williams comes highly recommended by many music industry professionals.

Although Gerry enjoys teaching and producing music, he has always dreamed of working on his own album. However, with a consistently busy schedule, reserving the time to work on his own project was going to take a lot of hard work. He never gave up. Gerry wanted to produce an album that appeals to a variety of audiences. With patience and perseverance he continued to write songs knowing that one day the time will come. Now, That time has arrived. Gerry is currently in the studio recording his long awaited debut album entitled "Hold On". The album will feature songs written and produced by Gerry Williams. Filled with captivating lyrics, live instrumentation and original arrangements, backed up by a 10 piece band of funky musicians. The screaming horns section fill up the room, Rhythmic Percussion keeps the flow while the drummer holds the groove. The bass guitar and electric guitars keep it funky all the time. And Gerry brings the soul with his powerful, gospel rooted vocals as he plays the keyboard and vibraphone. Gerry's lyrics are story telling and intense. With songs like "Ghetto" that speaks about the realism of living in the ghetto."Band Wagon" is about pop wannabees that jump on the band wagon for reasons other than respect for the art. "GetAway" speaks of a time in Gerry's life when he felt there was no way out of the stress surrounding him as a young man. Followed by "Never" a dedication to being introduced to real love for the first time. Other songs like "Strut" are full of funk that you just can't help but groove to. Gerry's music is definitely soulful and real. Through Gerry's music and perfomances you'll be introduced to a refreshing kind of talent that embodies the term "Artist".
- INTRODUCING THE MULTI-TALENTED GERRY WILLIAMS

That entertainment you only see from live performances on TV or major concerts, I had the chance to encounter at a local club "The Social" of Orlando, FL. There was great music that spilled over an electrifying band "The Gerry Williams Band" who struck us all by lightning. I mean, I was on my feet all night. When I had the chance to sit, I could not help but feel the goose bumps through my body from the vocals to the song "My Way". That song is an anthem for all to listen and be aware of what is going on out there. Nevertheless, I was floored with the amount of talent I was witnessing. I get out often and see a lot of bands but it's been a very long time since I've been genuinely entertained. You have to see these guys! - Samantha Livingston

That entertainment you only see from live performances on TV or major concerts, I had the chance to encounter at a local club "The Social" of Orlando, FL. There was great music that spilled over an electrifying band "The Gerry Williams Band" who struck us all by lightning. I mean, I was on my feet all night. When I had the chance to sit, I could not help but feel the goose bumps through my body from the vocals to the song "My Way". That song is an anthem for all to listen and be aware of what is going on out there. Nevertheless, I was floored with the amount of talent I was witnessing. I get out often and see a lot of bands but it's been a very long time since I've been genuinely entertained. You have to see these guys! - Samantha Livingston

"A big, big, funky sound, with traditional big-band elements including a sharp-as-a-tack 4-piece horn section. Put me in mind at times of the Earth, Wind and Fire or Ohio Players of my youth (that’s a good thing). These guys were the real deal, and the packed upper level at the club seemed to agree"
Mary Frances Emmons, "The Orlando Sentinel"

- The Orlando Sentinel