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Bassist Ben Williams
Celebrates Release of Debut Album at Harlem Stage
On the eve of his first CD, State of Art (Concord Jazz), Ben Williams is one of the most sought after bassists in the world. Williams won the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Bass Competition a prestigious award which has propelled many a promising career.
State of Art marks Williams’ first album as a work of art to look out for. The title of Williams’ debut falls modestly short of such a bold statement, but does sum up the young bassist’s of-the-moment approach. “I’m trying to interpret the times,” Williams says, “to represent what’s going on today. With this album I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my talent and create music that represents what I try to capture in my music which is experiences in life such as love, sorrow, anxiety and happiness.”
When Williams entered middle school, he’d decided to pursue the guitar, but mistakenly signed up for a string class that taught only violin, viola, cello and bass. “By the time I found out, it was too late to get into the guitar class. So I picked what looked like the coolest instrument, and that was the bass. Needless to say, I stayed in the class.”
At home surrounded by the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, James Brown and The Jackson 5, Williams cites his mother’s music tastes as defining his earliest listening experiences. “My mother has always supported my love for music by doing whatever she could to encourage me from the moment I first picked up the bass,” Williams reflected. Williams went on to study with Rodney Whitaker and Jack Budrow at Michigan State University School of Music and earned his Masters at Juilliard. Since leaving academia Williams, a Washington D.C. native has relocated to New York.
To celebrate the release of his debut album Williams is bringing his quintet Sound Effect along with special guests to the Harlem Stage for one incredible night! Sound Effect is a first-time assemblage of his peers, most of whom he’s played with in a variety of different configurations. Sound Effect features Marcus Strickland (sax), Jaleel Shaw (sax), Matt Stevens (guitar), Gerald Clayton (piano/keys), and Jamire Williams (drums).
“I am honored to be joined on the Harlem Stage by such great musicians because everybody is conscious about putting their sound into a group sound. There are no egos amongst us. Everyone’s level of unselfishness is what creates our sound.” Williams adds, “I encourage people to check out my CD and attend my concert at the Harlem Stage because with all I do, I make sure to entertain. My music is well balanced like the makings of a good movie and will definitely make you groove.”
This CD release concert will resonate with songs that are a contemporary and enchanting blend of musical genres. Williams flowing groove, warm woody tone and melodic phrasing with his music have found favor not only amongst musicians, but all who have been graced with his sound.
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