I stumbled across Doc Williamson on a open mic night that he coordinates for Rooster's "Club N Global Grill," in Winter Park. I have to tell you, we went for the food but stayed for the music.
A hookah joint dressed as a bar and grill, had a stage to the right, a bar to the left and a kitchen on the back wall. Service was great from the get go, and there is nothing like a thick accent and some British charm to make you feel welcome. Plus any server who will take a hit off your hookah is top rate in my book. She was assured we picked a primo blend (she mixed three flavors for the table; nice right? Think dream sickle) so how could she resist. They had $2 draft Magic Hat No. 9's all night as a special, so needless to say...pretty excited about that.
People were rummaging on stage, sound checks were going on, and a bearded man with a beer in his hand was taking seat behind the keyboard labeled "Doc Williamson," across the front. As the lights were dimmed and the intros were being said, I noticed more and more people with instruments walking in, making their way to the foot of the stage, and writing on this clipboard sitting on a music stand.
Now Doc can play, oh he can play, and he has a wickedly awesome voice. Also on the stage was a bass player, electric guitar, a guy behind the trap set, and a saxophone player. We were about 20 minutes into some blues and then Doc stands up reintroduces the players and they walk off and a new group comes up and plugs in. The list is starting to make sense now, Doc organizes, what I am calling, a "roll call," style gig. When they open up, you get a 20 minute spot, and then the next group of players take over. A new bass, a new drummer etc, etc. Now if there is no one else signed up to play saxophone then your still on for another set (from what I can tell.) Needless to say the format was new to me, it kept things interesting, and like I said I went their to eat but I stayed for the music.
Cannot describe how much talent was in this one room. Everyone played their ass off, and you can see on each of their faces that they were there to jam, and that is exactly what they did. For the most part, blues was the focus, a little jazz, and some classic rock would sneak in there. The caliber of musicians they had there that evening is so hard to illustrate, all I am going to say is that you are just going to have to go down and visit Doc on wed or....head out to Sanford.
Doc puts on the same gig every Sunday at The Alley, Sanford Fl and I also hear that they serve free bbq from 5-9, smoked right outside the back door...score! I got a chance to talk to Doc just before I departed, nice guy, compassionate about his music, and did I mention his wickedly awesome voice? He says you can obtain yours by drinking heavily and smoking regularly. Doc your curse is your blessing, keep it up and LBC will be out to see you in Sanford. Hope you have room for all of our friends.
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