Archie Williams

Archie Williams has been playing guitar for nearly forty years. Along the way he has played with locally, nationally, and internationally known musicians.

One of his early band experiences was with Dimensions Band, which featured Tommy Banks. They recorded the single, "Star Of The Disco" in 1978. Other notable projects that Archie has been a part of are the Marin All-Stars and the Sir Francis Drake Community Big Band.

From 1981 until 1991 he acted as musical director and touring guitarist for Maria Muldaur. He also performed on three of her albums. Over the years, Archie has also played with Dr. John (The Night Tripper), Diane Schuur, Eric Burdon, Huey Lewis, Charlie Musselwhite, Frankie Lee, and Malik "Little Wolf" Shabazz. Williams was also a member of the Rock/Fusion band Soundhole. Other memebers of Soundhole included Mario Cipollina and Bill Gibson, who later were members of Huey Lewis & The News.

Archie spent five years playing with the band Countdown, which had a residency at Pasands Jazz Club on Union Street in San Francisco. Williams then went on to join Starlight Orchestra, with performances at Harry Denton's Starlight Room in San Francisco's Union Square.

Although Williams is an incredible Blues and Jazz guitarist, over his thirty years of teaching, he has covered all playing styles. Beginner students start with a focus on technique and chord study. Archie also goes into the history of music, so students learn where the artistry of playing guitar comes from. Sight reading, ear training and theory are then introduced. Lessons in horn and string arrangement are also available.