"Emmett Williams is a singer-songwriter, but that's where the clichés end. Here is sensitivity without the sap, political observations without the hectoring, melodies without the mustiness." - David Browne, Entertainment Weekly "..an incredibly compelling performer.." - KCAW Radio "..completely incapable of performing at less than impassioned levels of emotion.." - Peter Cooper, Tennessean Emmett Williams is much more than just a musician. He is an activist, advocate, critic, and poet who will force you to think, stir your emotions and along the way bring you powerful entertainment. As a commentator for San Francisco Liberation Radio once said, "Emmett takes music and puts it on the frontline struggle for justice. His voice is raw and true and rings with the sincerity of someone who's been there." Whether it's the solemnity of "Lemon" (about a person learning to let go of the past) or the fiery passion of "Death In The Family" (a true story about a friend shut out from their community), from his 1999 release Another True Story, Emmett's music runs the gamut of emotions. He sums up his art by saying, "I don't have a particular message that I need to get across to the audience. I just try to present real life situations and let people make their own decisions." Originally from St. Louis, Emmett cut his musical teeth traveling the country and singing in bands in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. While his influences run the musical spectrum of punk, rock, hip-hop, country and soul, it was in New York City that he found his calling as a solo acoustic artist. After a mere six months on the NYC folk circuit, he embarked on his first American tour. In the 4 years since, coffeehouses and clubs all over the country have been more than just engrossed by his Ani DiFranco meets Richie Havens meets Pearl Jam meets Dave Mathews sound. Responses to his shows have far exceeded standard audience accolades. As Peter Cooper, music writer for the Tennessean stated, "Emmett is just completely incapable of performing at less than impassioned levels of emotion." Reflecting on the performance side of his music, Emmett says, "What makes all the driving and long hours worth it is when I know that I'm connecting to people at my shows. I've received letters saying my music has helped people to get through their own hard times. Someone once called me a poet/prophet screaming out their message for them." With his summer 2001 release Far From Home and subsequent fall tour, Emmett returns to his evocative and intimate sound. From the self reflective "Photograph" to the dramatic release played out in "Shine", Emmett continues on this his fourth release, to "evoke striking, urgent images within impassioned, poignant and eclectic songs." Emmett Williams is a musician who looks beyond the surface, wonders life's potential, and plays the part of messenger. "These songs come from real situations and these people do exist," he says. "I get my inspiration from stories I've heard on the road, from friends going through extraordinary events, and from my own experiences. These are all true stories."