Steve Williams biography

After leaving his public high school in Washington, Steve Williams enrols at Interlochen Arts Academy, seeking an alternative teenage life and intending to gain further knowledge of what already interests him the most: music. There, he experiences the arts in a way he never knew possible.

He continues his music education at the University of Miami. For three years he learns technique on marimba, tympani, etc. During his studies he begins working with school mates Carmen Lundy, Curtis Lundy and Bobby Watson. He joins Monty Alexander's band with whom he starts to perform on the international scene.

New York soon becomes the focus. There, Steve Williams meets and performs with such artists as Charles Davis, Tex Allen, Esther Satterfield and Clifford Jordan, whom his fellow Washingtonian bassist Ed Howard introduces him to. He furthers his music education with Billy Hart.

Back in Washington, Steve Williams plays with some of the visiting musicians he has met in New York: Milt Jackson, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Williams, Woodie Shaw, Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson, John Hicks, Larry Willis, Mulgrew Miller and many others. He joins Gary Thomas' band, with whom he records one of his first compositions "Pads".

Steve Williams also plays with great artists from Washington as Buck Hill and Shirley Horn. His music relationship with the pianist and singer gives him the opportunity to tour the world and record with such artists as Toots Thielemans, Brandford and Wynton Marsalis, Carmen McRae, Roy Hargrove and Miles Davis.

After his collaboration with Shirley Horn, Steve Williams pursues his music career with his own quintet promoting original compositions by the band members. His first album as a leader New Incentive is released in January 2007. The musicians are: Olivier Hutman (p), Michael Bowie (b), Donvonte McCoy (t), et Antoine Roney (s). John Hicks, Gary Bartz et Roy Hargrove are guests. The quintet performed at the Capbreton Jazz Festival in August 2006.