Before the members of Kansas found their sound, they had a very different approach to rock music. Guitarist Rich Williams went so far as to describe their playing as “aggressive” and untrained. However, that changed when outside influences inspired the band to take a more orchestral approach.
Rich Williams credited the introduction of prog rock for Kansas’ sound
Fans may have a hard time imagining the band best known for hits like “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” having a heavy sound. But according to Williams, that was common for the founding members who played together as teens. In a recent interview with Guitar World, he recalled their playing style, saying:
“Prior to Kansas, Dave Hope [bass], and I had played together previously in a band. And we were playing the rock hits of the days, and because none of us were trained, we didn’t understand a delicate approach to anything.
Rich Williams credited the introduction of prog rock for Kansas’ sound
Fans may have a hard time imagining the band best known for hits like “Carry on Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” having a heavy sound. But according to Williams, that was common for the founding members who played together as teens. In a recent interview with Guitar World, he recalled their playing style, saying:
“Prior to Kansas, Dave Hope [bass], and I had played together previously in a band. And we were playing the rock hits of the days, and because none of us were trained, we didn’t understand a delicate approach to anything.
- 4/14/2023
- by Rose Burke
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Kansas guitarist Rich Williams joined the band known for its rotating roster in 1972. He’s one of the few among his bandmates to stick around since the early days, ensuring he crossed paths with dozens of incredible musicians over the decades. As it turns out, a particular music legend stuck out more than others.
Rich Williams called working with Steve Morse ‘terrifying’ Rich Williams | Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Renowned guitarist Steve Morse joined Kansas in the mid-’80s, which Williams recently admitted intimidated him. In an interview with Guitar World, he recalled what it was like working with the Morse on Power, the band’s first album to feature them both.
“When we first started rehearsing in Phil [Ehart] ‘s basement, I was sitting down with Steve, and he had just been awarded the best guitar player ever for the third year in a row and was now in the Hall of Fame.
Rich Williams called working with Steve Morse ‘terrifying’ Rich Williams | Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Renowned guitarist Steve Morse joined Kansas in the mid-’80s, which Williams recently admitted intimidated him. In an interview with Guitar World, he recalled what it was like working with the Morse on Power, the band’s first album to feature them both.
“When we first started rehearsing in Phil [Ehart] ‘s basement, I was sitting down with Steve, and he had just been awarded the best guitar player ever for the third year in a row and was now in the Hall of Fame.
- 4/6/2023
- by Rose Burke
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
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