He's got a Gibson Echoplex Digital Pro looping unit and a 10-string guitar, and he's gonna use 'em! Keller Williams is a virtuoso guitarist, vocalist, jam master and tech whiz kid who has merged all of his talents into a single high-energy package that has earned him the title "Jam's Mad Scientist."

Onstage, the affable Virginian is a gifted multi-instrumentalist who performs on a battery of acoustic and electric guitars and basses while twiddling the knobs on a bank of electronics that churn out drum loops and assorted bleeps and squawks.

Williams performs with a homespun twist that flouts the clinical feel that mars many jam bands. His intricate guitar work borrows heavily from the late fingerstyle guitarist Michael Hedges.

Think of him as a jazzier, funkier version of Jack Johnson.

At his best, Williams pairs his go-with-the-flow sensibilities and complex musical melange--a mix of rock, jazz, funk and bluegrass that is reminiscent of the String Cheese Incident, a jam band with which he is affiliated--with gentle, often humorous lyrics.

His upcoming Bay Area solo shows will help to benefit the Conscious Alliance holiday meal drive (a $15 donation gets you a commemorative poster and helps to feed a needy family).

While he still tours solo, his most recent album, 2008's Live, finds Williams branching out after going it alone for a decade. The three-disc set (two CDs and a performance DVD) features bassist Keith Moseley, guitarist Gibb Droll and drummer Jeff Sipe.

If you develop a taste for Williams' music, check out his syndicated radio show, Keller's Cellar: Somewhat Ruleless Radio, in which this eclectic performer gets to share his suitably eclectic record collection.

His playlist ranges from the Blue Man Group to Peter Frampton, Fela Kuti to Kaki King.

You can find information about the show's online streaming audio at kellerwilliams.net.

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Out & About: Chicago blues great Buddy Guy brings his powerhouse guitar style to the Marin Center Friday, Nov. 13. Marin County bluesman Elvin Bishop opens the show...Guitar wizard Carl Verheyen and his band (Walfredo Reyes Jr. and Dave Marotta) perform Nov. 18 at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley...Jazz great Mose Allison will dish his sagely bohemian wisdom at two shows on Nov. 21 at 19 Broadway in Fairfax...Joshua Nelson and the Kosher Gospel Singers will lift up their voices Nov. 21 at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael. The Red Hot Chachkas also will perform...Legendary progressive country singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale, who toured the North Bay recently as a member of Elvis Costello's new bluegrass band, rides into Rancho Nicasio Nov. 21.

COMING SOON

Keller Williams performs solo on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 8:30pm, at the Mystic Theatre, 21 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. $25. 707/765-2121. He also will perform an all-ages show Sunday, Nov. 21, at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. $24. 888/233 0449.

Jam a few bars with Greg at gcahill51@gmail.com.

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