Two reviews: Keller Williams and Brandon Pruitt

By Andrew Griffin
Pop Writer
The Norman Transcript
Posted: July 13 & 20, 2007

Keller Williams – “Dream” (SCI Fidelity)
Popular among jam band aficionados, singer-guitarist Keller Williams made his way into that scene via support from String Cheese Incident. And clearly the cats in the Incident had good taste because Keller Williams is by far one of the most exciting and creative artists working today.
Just check out “Dream,” Williams’ latest project that is just chock full o’songs (and famous friends) ranging from the tricky, reggae-tinged “Ninja of Love” (featuring Michael Franti of Spearhead), or the lyrically-hilarious, instrumentally-amazing song “Cadillac,” featuring guest guitarist Bob Weir of Grateful Dead fame.
One of the most sublime tracks is the Windham Hill-styled instrumental “Cookies,” which features guest guitarist Fareed Haque playing a hybrid guitar-sitar instrument.
What one senses when listening to “Dream,” is that Williams is having an absolute ball playing and performing these songs. It’s no wonder that he was able to get so many friends and peers to make guest appearances on this record.
For more information go to www.kellerwilliams.net.

Brandon Pruitt Band – “Red Dirt Blue Country” (Bonfire Entertainment)
Honestly, before hearing Brandon Pruitt Band’s “Red Dirt Blue Country,” I was entirely oblivious to their music. But when I received the album and gave it a spin, I kept playing it again and again, each song sinking into the inner reaches of my brain.
One thing’s for sure, Oklahoma native Pruitt and his crack team of Red Dirt-loving band members know this genre and how to keep it pure.
In fact, I found “He’s a Cowboy,” a Western song if there ever was one, refreshing and entirely authentic, both instrumentally and lyrically.