Ben Williams of New York City is one of the youngest and brightest musicians on the scene today who is helping to push the legacy of jazz forward through the reflection of his own distinct sound and flavor of hip hop, gospel, and Rhythm & Blues. He is highly respected as a national and international acclaimed bassist, bandleader, performer, music educator, and composer. He has performed and or recorded with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Terrence Blanchard, Roy Hargrove, Benny Golson, Stefon Harris to name a few. He has continuosly toured the Continents of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and North & South America.
Williams was awarded his first Grammy with the Pat Metheny Unity Band for Best Jazz Instrumental Album of 2012. In 2013, he received the DownBeat Magazine Critics Poll Rising Star Award for Bass; and the Michigan State University (MSU) Alumni Award for maintaining the highest of standards in his profession and personal life among his Alumni. He recently filmed with Don Cheadle, in the Movie, “Miles Ahead”.
Williams won the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition Award that landed him a record-deal with Concord Records; and recorded his first Album, State of Art, in 2011 with his own band, Sound Affect. The Album received an impressive 4.5 Star Review in DownBeat Magazine and reached #1 on the charts of Itunes and the National BillBoard. He was named the 2011 Itunes Breakthrough Artist of the Year in the category of jazz.
Ben Williams born December 1984 in Washington, DC, graduated from The Duke Ellington [High] School of the Arts. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education at MSU; and his Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies at The Juilliard School.
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