Rob Williams
Richmond, Virginia, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Joe Buck, Jr. is one of the best kept secrets in the Richmond music scene. Rob Williams’ lyrics and vocals have a familiar sound to them—not in the sense that his songs sound like everyone else’s, but in a sense that he is an old friend with a great story to tell. My favorite song by far is Victoria Ray. Listen to it once in the morning and it will be with you all day—something that you find with most of the songs created by Williams. If you get a chance to see Rob play, don’t hesitate. - itunes
Rob Williams is a good singer, a really good song writer and a good enough guitar player. . . He knows how to slay me with those minor chord changes every time. - Richmond Music Journal
(Rob's songs) depict the emotional turmoil and triumph that every individual experiences as he or she grows, evoking life lessons and eloquently relaying a story to the listener. - Danie Cortese Entertainment
These are excellent pop rock songs; my favorite is “This Simple Life” which reminds me of R.E.M.’s “Leaving New York”, but they’re all good. “Abe Lincoln” and “Norfolk Southern” are great pop-rock songs as well. If you appreciate good songwriting combined with pop hooks, this album is for you. - Great American Music Hour
Discography
**New Joe Buck, Jr. CD being recorded in 2010**
Waitin' Around (2007) with Joe Buck, Jr.
When I Grow Down (2006) as The Boring Normals
Function over Fashion (1999) as The Boring Normals
Used to be Somebody (1996) with Joe Buck, Jr.
Photos
Bio
Rob Williams is the singer/guitarist for the Richmond, VA rock band "Joe Buck, Jr." He currently plays solo acoustic shows featuring songs from the band's two CDs as well as from his two solo CDs.
Rob got his start in the local music scene many years ago with Contoocook Line -- a band he formed with high school friends (including Pavement drummer Steve West). That band seemed to open shows for everyone who was someone on the east coast in the late 1980s, but never broke into the headliner's spot outside of their hometown.
When Contoocook Line broke up, Rob formed Joe Buck, Jr. in 1995. The band enjoyed local success and recorded a CD ("Used to be Somebody") with noted producer John Morand at Sound of Music Studio in 1996. The CD included a last-minute cover of Sparklehorse's "Someday I Will Treat You Good" which 9x Magazine proclaimed the cover of the year.
An extended band hiatus gave Rob the opportunity to work on solo projects culminating in the release of two CD's under the fictitious band name "The Boring Normals." 1999's "Function over Fashion" was recorded in the basement studio of Michael Hearst (One Ring Zero) and features many local musician friends. 2006's "When I Grow Down" was recorded off and on over a two year period and features a folksy feel with acoustic guitar driven songs including the popular ballad "Warren Zevon" and the local favorite "Norfolk Southern".
In the summer of 2007, Joe Buck, Jr. reunited to record a 4-song E.P., again at Sound of Music, this time with producer Alan Weatherhead. The new material continued to showcase Rob's strengths as a songwriter -- catchy melodies and toe-tapping rhythms combined with thought-provoking, introspective lyrics. Accordingly, the new CD featured the single, "Beautiful People" -- a sarcastic look at life on the other side of the tracks with a tune that'll likely stay in your head all day.
As Joe Buck, Jr. prepares to record a new CD, Rob continues to perform solo acoustic shows that showcase his talent as a singer/songwriter and as a performer. His set of original material combines energetic acoustic versions of his band's songs with the folksy, often quirky, southern feel of his solo efforts.
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