Take Some Guitar Lessons, Man!
A group of some of my most loyal and enthusiastic fans went on a deep sea fishing trip together one summer. Also, booked on the same boat for the same trip was none other than songwriting legend, the late-great John Prine. They were delighted, of course, and, taking advantage of the opportunity to talk music with him, were like his shadow for the duration of the trip. I suppose their enthusiasm got the better of them because I'm told the 'talk music' idea evolved into 'talk Brooks' music.' Apparently, at one point, with fishing tackle all lines and angles from the side of a boat bobbing up and down on the Atlantic Ocean, an mp3 player appeared and my songs rocked along as they fished. This is cool for me but maybe not so much for Mr. Prine. He probably just wanted to enjoy the zen of being out on the rolling sea. I feel badly he most likely didn't get that to the extent he'd hoped. At the same time I'm kinda proud they were so passionate about my music. However, when it was suggested John Prine may want to consider taking a guitar lesson or to from me, that may have been a bridge too far. If I were there at the time I would've said, just keep doing what you're doing, and I would have left him to fish in peace. And quiet. 
BURY FOLK FESTIVAL
Earlier this Spring I was honoured to be asked to be the patron of Bury Folk Festival in Bury St Edmunds. Live local music is the life-blood of any community, and I’m delighted to join the festival team to help create a fun, accessible, diverse, and family-friendly festival. It's happening Saturday, 24th June. There's a great line-up of music and events. (Read all about the full line-up of events.) I've been asked to do a short solo acoustic set in the afternoon and I've decided to debut a new collection of songs. Why not! If you're nearby pull up a hay bale and join us in the beautiful walled garden.
UPCOMING SUMMER GIGS
June 2023
16th Milverton Music Club, Victoria Rooms, Milverton, Somerset (Brooks & Aaron Catlow!)
24th Bury Folk Festival, Bury St. Edmunds (SOLO)
30th The Bent Arms, Lindfield, West Sussex (Brooks & Aaron Catlow!)
July 2023
1st Folk In A Field Festival, Bradmoor Woods, West Acre (Brooks & Aaron Catlow!)
17th Ellis Theatre, Marlborough (Brooks & Aaron Catlow!)
27th Otterton Mill, Otterton, Devon (Brooks & Aaron Catlow)
August 2023
5th Down Home Festival, Ilam, Derbyshire (SOLO)
13th The Brasenose Fringe Festival, Cropredy (SOLO)
27th Private Event, Barton on Humber (SOLO)
PRE-ORDER! PRE-ORDER!
Reserve your copy or download of Should We Tell Him: The Songs Of Don Everly, by Rab Noakes & Brooks Williams. The release date is 25 August 2023. Read more about our album here. Thank you, in advance, for supporting my efforts to get this duo album with the late, great Rab Noakes out into the world! ORDER HERE.
2 LIVE SOLO VIDEOS
Here Comes The Blues, recorded live at The Green Note in Camden Town London. WATCH HERE COMES THE BLUES VIDEO. A Little Way Up, recorded live at The Live Room in Saltaire. WATCH A LITTLE WAY UP VIDEO.