Funky Geezer – February 16, 2012
| Stan Says: | Jodi Says: | |
| There are a few staples of the local band scene in Charlotte, one of them is Funky Geezer. We seem to see him everywhere, checking out bands and taking pictures. It was great to have the chance for it to be an official Live Limelight outing, seeing Funky Geezer perform at Petra’s. Funky Geezer is regularly seen wearing a hat, overalls and a plaid shirt and more often than not a pretty big and friendly smile. This is someone who loves what he’s doing and really has fun doing it. Funky Geezer is a multi-instrumentalist whose focus is primarily on the guitar and secondarily on the keyboards. His performance is full of humor, both in the tales he tells and physical humor with props. Above anything though, Funky Geezer is a performer and a showman! This show he started off with the guitar and played and sang wonderfully. His voice at times has a twinge of a Willie Nelson sound to it, yet not as twangy or country. He got the small crowd of maybe 20 people to clap along and be into what he’s playing. Funky Geezer’s primary style of song is a story song, telling a tale to music. Songs like Grandma’s Getting Frisky Tonight, Happy Fingers and my personal favorite of his, Woody Cadillac, are all tales that he weaves to music. And the music is wonderful. His musicianship impresses me with the picking and the soloing, all while keeping the rhythm. Remember, this is just one man doing this on his guitar. Funky Geezer is not a band. A Funky Geezer performance is one that is filled with humor, music and stories. If laughter and appreciation of one of the area’s best troubadours is what you’re after, you need to see Funky Geezer! And even if you don’t see him perform, you’re guaranteed to see him out and about watching others and getting into the music. Say hello and talk with him, Funky’s a great guy. Mr. Geezer to most, friends call him Funky. |
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Woody Williams is the man behind Funky Geezer, who is in his own right very much a one man band. He loves to tell jokes on stage and has several props every time he performs. It is a bit of a schtick idea, replete with nearly every kind of humor. He plays piano though usually an electronic one and also guitar. He does talk through some songs but also sings as well. I truly enjoy Funky Geezer, because each of his songs tells a story, usually in a very hilarious way, sometimes with word play, and sometimes a little unexpectedly. Some of my favorite songs include “That’s All Right”, “Woody Cadillac”, and “Grandma’s Feeling Frisky Tonight”. The first I mention, “That’s All Right” is very catchy, and if he were to wind up being played on the radio, that’s the song that would make him a Charlotte someone because it really sticks in your head. I also enjoy “Woody Cadillac” which tells a story about losing everything, but not his car. The last one I mention, “Grandma’s Feeling Frisky Tonight” is a bit more obvious in the storytelling, but is worth a good laugh and a fun song. He has several other silly/funny songs as well. These are songs he’s played on his guitar in a very sing-song storytelling kind of way. He also pounds out the piano with a song that wonders how Beethoven might sound today, if he weren’t dead, along with other various songs. He does have a CD out so you can indeed take him home with you if you enjoyed the show. Additionally, I am happy to see him out and about supporting many other musicians, as we often bump into him even on days when he isn’t performing. Funky Geezer is a hilarious act to watch and participate in. Yes, I said participate, because what is a stand up comic without audience participation? His jokes are sometimes adult, sometimes about the music, and sometimes about something a bit random, but always done in good taste. He always plays to the crowd! He is by far my favorite comedic act here in Charlotte. I gladly will sit and listen to him anytime he happens to be nearby. |
