Ben Williams

Recognized for his mastery of the acoustic bass, Ben Williams moves fluidly among acoustic post-bop, contemporary fusion, hip-hop, and R&B. Victorious in the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, he first drew notice through appearances alongside Stefon Harris, Jacky Terrasson, and Marcus Strickland. His initial pair of recordings, the 2011 release State of Art and the 2015 album Coming of Age, highlighted his distinctive fusion of acoustic jazz, hip-hop, and fusion elements. Williams earned a Grammy for contributions to Pat Metheny’s Unity ensemble and has participated in projects led by Jose James, Eric Reed, Robert Glasper, and additional artists. With the 2020 album I Am a Man he incorporated vocals into his work, then joined singer/songwriter Syndee Winters for the R&B-infused 2023 EP Butterfly Black.

Born in Washington, D.C., Williams began playing bass near the age of ten. During his teenage years he enrolled at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, later studying under bassist Rodney Whitaker while completing a B.A. in jazz studies at Michigan State University. He further obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from the Juilliard School. After securing first place in the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, he entered a recording agreement with Concord Records. Two years afterward he issued his debut solo album, State of Art, which reached the top of multiple jazz charts. Subsequent engagements included both live and studio work with vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ hip-hop-inflected Blackout ensemble, pianist Jacky Terrasson, and saxophonist Marcus Strickland.

Williams also performed with the Concord Records all-star group Next Collective, appearing on their 2013 album Cover Art alongside guitarist Matthew Stevens, drummer Jamire Williams, trumpeter Christian Scott, pianists Kris Bowers and Gerald Clayton, and saxophonists Logan Richardson and Walter Smith III. In the same year he shared the Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album for his participation on Pat Metheny’s Unity Band album. He has sustained his association with Metheny through appearances on Kin <--> and Unity Sessions.

During 2015 Williams released his second full-length effort, Coming of Age, which included guest contributions from Goapele and Christian Scott while delving into a combination of ’70s fusion, hip-hop, and R&B influences. Beyond his own recordings he has supplied essential performances for projects by Eric Reed, Regina Carter, Robert Glasper, Jazzmeia Horn, Jose James, and others.

I Am a Man appeared in 2020, presenting Williams as vocalist while merging further post-bop, contemporary jazz, and hip-hop textures. The sessions featured trumpeter Keyon Harrold, flutist Anne Drummond, and drummer Justin Brown together with vocalists Kendra Foster, Muhsinah, and Wes Felton plus rapper Niles. The 2023 Butterfly Black EP introduced his duo partnership with singer and songwriter Syndee Winters, highlighting their distinctive blend of jazz and R&B.