Philip "Pip" Williams (born 7 October 1947), sometimes spelt Phillip, is an English record producer, arranger, and guitarist. He is best known for producing albums for Status Quo and The Moody Blues, but has also worked with a large number of well-known musicians. He has also supervised the orchestra parts and orchestra arrangements for the Finnish metal band Nightwish.
He became inspired to play the guitar after listening to records by The Shadows and Buddy Holly,[3] and trained as a musician.[5]
Career
Williams produced more than 170 recordings, in many genres of music, including successful collaborations with Status Quo (band) and The Moody Blues.[6]
Williams started his musical career as a guitarist and session musician in 1962, playing in Hamburg, Germany. He worked with American soul singer Jimmy Ruffin, as his musical director.[5] He became lead guitarist of west London touring band, The Sovereigns, formed in mid-1965. In late 1966, The Sovereigns were signed to King Records and cut one 45 rpm record, released in January 1967. This included Williams' and Freddie Tillyer's "Bring Me Home Love". After this Williams became lead guitarist for The Fantastics.[7] then with Jimmy James and the Vagabonds in July 1969.[8][7]
Progressing from performer to session musician in the early 1970s under the patronage of Sweet producer Phil Wainman,[7] he became one of the most in-demand session guitarists of the era, playing on early hit records for Sweet including "Funny Funny", "Co-Co", "Poppa Joe" and "Little Willy", and on The Walker Brothers' hit "No Regrets".[3]
He is also known for producing The Moody Blues albums Long Distance Voyager[9] and The Present,[5] the former being a huge hit in the United States. The album took two months to record, and both Justin Hayward and John Lodge attributed much of its success to Williams.[9]
^ abcdWarburton, Nick (16 July 2015). "The Fantastics – British tours 1967-1970". Garage Hangover. Retrieved 23 September 2023. Pip Williams, who wasn't long married and needed to return home, left while the band was in Naples and returned home, subsequently joining Jimmy James & The Vagabonds.
^Warburton, Nick (31 March 2019). "Pip Williams". Garage Hangover. Retrieved 23 September 2023.