Keller Williams is one of those artists that you can’t quite put your finger on. He can pretty much play any style of music, and well at that. He can easily be described as a music aficionado of sorts. In the past three years alone Williams has recorded an album of eclectic cover tunes with The Keels (Thief), a children’s record (Kids), the bass-centric and appropriately titled Bass, a bluegrass set with the Travelin’ McCourys (Pick) and a Grateful Dead tribute project on which he played piano exclusively (Keys).

Now, we see Williams delve into the world of funk; which we already knew he had plenty of that in him. With his new outfit, More Than A Little, Keller is set to release the aptly titled Funk, set for release on November 12th. Funk was recorded live at a pair of Virginia gigs (Norva and the National in VA, and the Neighborhood Theatre in NC), and features Williams on vocals and guitar, EJ Shaw on bass, Gerard Johnson on keys, and Toby Fairchild on drums, with backup vocals from Tonya Lazenby Jackson and Sugah Davis. The album features both original compositions, and covers which include The Talking Heads‘ “Once in a Lifetime”, Rick James‘ “Mary Jane”, “West LA Fadeaway” by The Grateful Dead, and the Donna Summers hit “I Feel Love.”

Williams says that funk, “is prominent in my love of music. Funk,” he says, “would be impossible for me to get away from. It’s like breathing; it just happens naturally without me thinking about it. I hope we are blazing new ground in the world of funk,” Williams says in summing up his latest release. “We’re funking up some of my favorite originals, and adding some interesting, familiar covers done the More Than a Little way. I’m proud to say that this band brings it. It’s no typical white boy funk that one may expect from this typical white boy.”

To celebrate Funk’s release, Keller is hosting his always-over-the-top album presale contest (past contest winners have received a private house party with Keller & The Keels, a Steamboat, Colorado ski trip with Keller, and more). For Funk, it’s the “Tear the Roof off the Funker” Contest – a chance to win an all expense paid trip for two to see Keller Williams with More Than A Little in New Orleans during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Those who purchase the album before the November 12th release date will earn two entries in the contest, with one entry earned by those who purchase FUNK after release date and before January 1, 2014. For the official contest rules and other pertinent info, click here.

Check out Keller and More Than A Little perform The Talking Heads “Once In  A Lifetime”:

Keller Williams Tour Dates

Thursday, September 12 German House Rochester NY
Friday, September 13 Westcott Theater Syracuse NY
Saturday, September 14 Bearsville Theater Woodstock NY
Thursday, September 19 Abode Wichita KS
Friday, September 20 Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Columbia MO Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Saturday, September 21 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Bristol VA Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Friday, October 4 Newby’s Memphis TN Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Saturday, October 5 Three Sisters Festival Chattanooga TN Keller & The Keels and Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Sunday, October 6 Avondale Brewing Co Birmingham AL Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Thursday, October 10 Putnam Den Saratoga Springs NY with Floodwood
Friday, October 11 Toad’s Place New Haven CT with Floodwood
Saturday, October 12 Infinity Hall Norfolk CT with Floodwood
Friday, October 18 Magnolia Music Festival Live Oak Fl Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Saturday, October 19 Vinyl Music Hall Pensacola FL
Thursday, October 24 World Cafe Live at The Queen Wilmington DE
Friday, October 25 Pollak Theater / Monmouth University West Long Branch NJ with Jake Shimabukuro
Saturday, October 26 Paramount Theatre Huntington NY with Jake Shimabukuro
Friday, November 1 Metropolitan Morgantown VA
Saturday, November 2 V-Club Huntington WV
Friday, November 8 El Rey Theatre Los Angeles CA
Saturday, November 9 Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach CA
Thursday, November 14 The Handlebar Greenville SC
Friday, November 15 Georgia Theatre Athens GA Keller Williams with More Than A Little
Saturday, November 16 Orange Peel Asheville NC
Wednesday, November 20 The Center of Spokane Spokane WA
Thursday, November 21 Great Northern Bar & Grill Whitefish MT
Friday, November 22 Top Hat Lounge Missoula MT
Saturday, November 23 Filling Station Bozeman MT
Thursday, December 5 Arcata Theatre Arcata CA
Friday, December 6 The Catalyst Santa Cruz CA with The Mother Hips
Saturday, December 7 Filmore Rex Benefit San Francisco CA Grateful Grass Keller with Nikki & Tim Bluhm
Wednesday, December 11 – Sunday, December 15 Strings & Sol – Now Sapphire Resort Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo Keller Williams with The Travelin’ McCourys
Friday, December 27 Mr. Smalls Theatre Millvale PA Keller Williams With More Than A Little
Saturday, December 28 Beachland Ballroom & Tavern Cleveland OH Keller Williams with More Than A Little
Tuesday, December 31 Ram’s Head Live Baltimore MD Keller & The Keels, Keller Williams Solo, Keller Williams with More Than A Little
Saturday, January 4 – Monday, January 6 Jam Cruise 12 Miami FL Keller Williams & The Kimocks