Jack Williams, June 12

Fearless. Dazzling. Compelling. Eclectic. Graceful. Magical. Legendary. These are all words that have been used to describe singer-songwriter, Jack Williams who will make his debut appearance at Fiddlers Crossing on Sunday, June 12, at 3 p.m.

In a career that has spanned 50 years, Jack Williams has become one of the most sought-after artists on the contemporary acoustic music circuit. From music halls and festivals to coffee houses and house concerts, he is a very busy performer. He especially enjoys the smaller, more intimate venues with a more personal connection to his listeners. "I love the intimacy and having the chance to chat with the audience," Williams says.

The music of Jack Williams, rooted in his native South Carolina, was shaped by his years of experience playing rock, R&B, jazz, classical and popular music of the '30s, '40s and '50s. "In my performances, I often explore my eclectic background in a stream-of-consciousness medley that wanders through the musical styles that influenced me," he says. His songs and stories are laced with wit, humor, sensitivity and grace. This is a man who clearly loves and understands people. He has his audience in the palm of his hand from the moment he steps on stage.

Williams got his start at four years old when his mother gave him her Arthur Godfrey ukulele. He had a decided knack for the instrument. "I had music in my DNA, I guess-though we can't find it anywhere else in our family. We just hoped there wasn't a mistake made at the hospital in 1943."

By the time he was 6, he had started playing piano. He explored the flute and violin at 9, took up the trumpet at 10 and the guitar at 15. "In 1955, I was listening to Bill Haley and His Comets, Elvis Presley, and some of the earliest rockers. When I picked up the guitar, I realized I could be a part of that," he says. By 1960, he had formed his first band.

He studied for nine years at the University of Georgia and dabbled in all genres of music. However, the most influential experience for Williams was learning how to write and arrange, which gave him the opportunity to be a hiredgun electric guitar player for bands that played for fraternities and the student union. Artists like John Lee Hooker and Jerry Butler would perform for the university, but they wouldn't bring their bands. "Being an arranger was a big pull because I could put people together [for the backup bands]," Williams says. "I could form how we presented the music." He was also playing his own gigs. In 1970, he began writing original songs, and he's been touring as a solo act ever since.

Over the years, Williams has released nine CDs of original material , one CD of cover songs reflecting major influences on his musical development, and a DVD collection of onstage performances. He has produced CDs for Mickey Newbury, Ronny Cox and Eric Schwartz. (who recently appeared at Fiddlers Crossing). His songs have been recorded by artists ranging from Tom Jones and David Clayton-Thomas to Chuck Pyle, Ronny Cox and Lowen and Navarro. In addition to his solo career, he has accompanied other artists, including Tom Paxton, Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary), Mickey Newbury, Harry Nillson, John Lee Hooker, Big Joe Turner and Z.Z Hill.

Williams has definitely earned the respect and admiration of his peers. Peter Yarrow called him "the best guitar player I've ever heard." Mickey Newbury said, "Jack and his music are an American Treasure."

The treasure for us here in Tehachapi will surely be to experience Jack Williams! For videos and samples, go to jackwilliamsmusic.com and fiddlerscrossing.com.

Fiddlers Crossing is at 206 East F Street at Robinson Street, in Downtown Tehachapi. Tickets may be purchased next door at Mountain Music, at Tehachapi Treasure Trove, Tehachapi Furniture in Old Town, and Lucky's Barbershop, or online through Fiddlerscrossing.com. Tickets to the concert are $20, and as always, coffee and goodies are included. The concert begins at 3 p.m. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. sharp.