freelance projects

Brad Williams has been an in-demand freelance musician, producer, and multi-instrumentalist in several regions of the United States. Recently relocated to the NYC area, Brad is looking to get involved with diverse arrays of new projects

With electric and acoustic guitars as his focus, Brad also brings to the table chops on drum set, electric bass, five-string and tenor banjos, keyboards, and the occasional vocal. Brad is an excellent sight-reader, is possessed of a lightning-quick ear, and has the ability to play a myriad of styles with ease and genuine creativity.

In addition to his sight-reading and doubling strengths, Brad is both a rhythm player possessed of a deep pocket, and an inspired improviser capable of negotiating the most complex of harmonic landscapes with a rare freshness and versatility.

In short, Brad has the rare combination of an eager, dependable, taking-care-of-business attitude, true versatility and broadness of scope, and the ability to find a unique, unforseen creative path through any musical landscape.

Live Performances

Brad is often available for live performances as a leader or sideman. The ability to play multiple styles with ease and authenticity, possession of a broad repertoire, creative improvisation, doubling, sight-reading, and--not least--dependability, are his strengths. Brad's repertoire consists of literally thousands of tunes in a variety of styles, and has gear that will cover any situation. If there is any doubt, just ask!

Studio Recordings

Location/In-Studio Recording

Brad is also available for studio recordings, as a performer, arranger, or producer. No stranger to the studio, Brad has a high comfort-level in even the most stressful studio environments. Unlike many performer/producers, Brad has done some recording engineering and posesses knowledge, inside and out, of much of the most common studio gear and recording techniques.

Via Mail/E-mail/FTP

Brad has a solid home studio from which to work with nice-sounding rooms and a respectable selection of gear. Quality mic preamps of the most popular designs, a nice selection of vintage and modern microphones, great monitoring, and of course great performances, ensure great-sounding tracks in a timely manner. At this time, tracks are recorded via a Digidesign 002 Pro Tools LE system, and several great microphone-preamp chains are available. Visit the gear section of the site for a summary of instruments and equipment available.

Below are a few examples from recordings in which Brad has participated.

Funk rhythm & lead guitars; organ (mp3)

Bossa nova jazz solo (mp3)

R&B/soul ballad solo & rhythm (mp3)

Delta-style acoustic blues (mp3)

Modern jazz improvisation (mp3)

Rock/indie solo and rhythm (mp3)

Solo jazz (mp3)

Rock/R&B solo & rhythm (mp3)

Composition and Arranging

Brad is also available to write original compositions arrangements for many different ensemble types. Copy is done with the Finale music notation program. E-mail for a time and price quote.

Gear

Brad has a rather extensive collection of vintage and boutique instruments and gear of all types. In most cases, this gear is available for studio recordings. In the event that something specific is required for a studio or live date, Brad will do his best to accomodate you. Be sure to check out the gear page to see the combination of versatile and off-the-wall items Brad has at his disposal. If you require something not listed, just ask! It might be obtainable depending on the project.