News

Jul 23, 2023

Jon Williams is Sonoma’s Pied Piper

I’m proud to feature Jon Williams in this month’s edition as a guest artist and a chance to chat up Jon’s latest musical offering. Cliff Zyskowksi: Tell me about your current project. Jon Williams:

I’m proud to feature Jon Williams in this month’s edition as a guest artist and a chance to chat up Jon’s latest musical offering.

Cliff Zyskowksi: Tell me about your current project.

Jon Williams: “My life-long dream ─ creating a Rock Opera called ”Heavalution.“ Set in the year 2090. The story of a humble everyman named Zac who is randomly chosen to win the Citizen Advancement Day reward: the yearly government’s gift of gold and financial security. Zac refuses the gift and is sent to prison…an underground goldmine shaft. By staying true to his beliefs, Zac discovers the meaning of life.”

Color in Chaos from Heavalution lyric: ‘Let the world see you floating, sometime, you have to turn off mind.’

Jon passionately describes the characters in his story; all imprisoned like Zac; all serving prison terms for refusing to accept the gifts. A trial is pending; the story line is intriguing. Jon tells how the plot and music interweave, they send out his message to inspire, uplift and awaken the human spirit for all who listen.

CZ: Remember the “Rock Opera” by the Who, Tommy? Your character reminds me a bit like the Pinball Wizard. An everyman with a special talent.

JW: “I’m going to revisit that. My wife and creative partner Kathryn is the inspiration for this project. She reminds me, ‘I’ll tell you something once…and then I’m gonna tell you again!’ Really helps to keep me on track.”

‘Stumblin’ in the thought stream, wonderin’ who’s got the most….faith’

CZ: Do you have a process for writing new material?

JW: “The music and the lyrics just come together; kinda creates itself when I’m inspired by an idea. I try to get out of the way and let the process happen.

‘Trippin’ in the cosmos, wonderin’ who’s lost.’

CZ: Your gigs often include stage props and theatrical elements. I remember seeing you crawling on stage while under a velvet curtain. What inspires this?

JW: “Once at a gig, I lost the bridge to my front teeth. I’m trying to sing, the lyrics are mumbly. I get down on the floor, it’s dark, I’m feelin’ all around the stage, crawling on my hands and knees, searching. I find the bridge, raise it up to the ceiling like a prize. The crowd loved it and thought it was part of the act. My sister called it floor play.”

CZ: Some folks call you the Pied Piper of Sonoma. What’s it like to busk in front of your hometown of Sonoma Whole Foods?

JW: “I learned over 100 cover songs. I rely on the kindness of strangers. People are amazing. I see them frowning from across the parking lot. They hear my music. They smile. I’ve made their day. My mom says, ‘live in joy and wonder.’ I hope my music sends out that message.”

For further info:

https://jonshannonwilliams.bandcamp.com/track/color-in-chaos

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/jon-shannon-williams-new-album--2#/

Support local music. Support Jon’s new project.

‘Let your heart breathe out bright light.’