New CD, new bassist for Tyler Williams Band

Heart Over Mind - Tyler WilliamsTyler Williams is a gifted bluegrass singer and multi-instrumentalist residing in the fertile musical hills of East Tennessee. Though born in Central Ohio, Williams has made his home in the Johnson City area for some time, where he performs regularly with his own band. Like many acoustic musicians who come to attend East Tennessee State University, where he graduated with honors, Tyler has made the region his home.

Life hasn’t been easy for Mr. Williams. Born with cerebral palsy, and blind since infancy, he has nonetheless made himself into a musician of skill and artistry. Initially on the piano, and later on guitar, Tyler taught himself to play the bluegrass music that called to him. He has developed a highly unorthodox guitar technique, playing seated with the instrument turned up in his lap, and fretting with his right hand while strumming with his left.

But he makes it work, and fronts his own Tyler Williams Band with Megan McKamey on banjo, Ashley Davis on fiddle, Aaron Smith on guitar, and the newly-hired Ryan Wilson on bass.

Here’s a video of Tyler performing with the Florida State Bluegrass Band at the Remington Ryde festival this past summer.

 

Williams has recently completed his second solo album, which is slated for a January release. It’s entitled Heart Over Mind, and can be purchased now directly from the band prior to its official release.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.