Tim Williams

A regular in the coffee houses of Southern California by his mid-teens, Tim's music is inspired by Texas bluesmen Lightnin' Hopkins and T-Bone Walker, Hawaiian guitarists including Sol Hoopii and King Benny Navahi, the folk-blues of Mississippi John Hurt and Brownie McGee, and the guitar experiments of John Fahey. Other influences were the Mexican music everywhere and the finger-style of Merle Travis (a regular on L.A. television shows of the '50s).

By the time Tim was in his early 20s he was routinely opening for headliners such as Hoyt Axton, Earl Scruggs, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, and the afore-mentioned Lightnin' Hopkins and John Fahey. A resident of Canada since 1970, Tim has built a career as a producer which has earned 3 JUNO nominations (Canada's Grammy equivalent).

One of the best and most versatile acts any folk, blues or guitar festival can book, Tim continues to play more than 150 shows a year, headlining in smaller venues and opening in bigger ones for the likes of B.B. King and ZZ Top. Find out why the program for the Mission, B.C. Folk Festival calls him"...one of the reasons why folk music will never die."

"Williams is a fine ragtime and slide guitar picker who takes the songs of musical forbears...and makes them his own with just the right amount of respect and innovation." SING OUT ! magazine