BRATTLEBORO — The Vermont Jazz Center will welcome bassist Ben Williams and his group Sound Effect to the stage on Saturday, May 14, at 8 p.m. Joining Williams are Marcus Strickland, saxophones; Alex Wintz, guitar; Willerm Delisfort on piano and Rhodes piano; and John Davis on drums.
Williams is the winner of the 2009 Thelonious Monk Competition on bass. He is also the recipient of a Grammy Award for his work with Pat Metheny's Unity Band and was voted top overall rising star in Downbeat's 2015 Critic's Poll. Most recently, Williams was chosen as bassist for the White House's celebration of International Jazz Day.
According to a news release, Williams' consummate ability to support a wide range of styles is reflected in the numerous recordings he has appeared on with Pat Metheny, Jacky Terrasson, George Benson, The NEXT Collective, Eric Reed, and many more. He is an in-demand sideman and has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Mulgrew Miller, Chaka Khan, Terrence Blanchard, Stefon Harris, Pharrell Williams, and Herbie Hancock.
He also appears with Don Cheadle in the new film tribute to Miles Davis, “Miles Ahead.”
As a result of winning the Thelonious Monk competition, Williams secured a contract with Concord Music Group. To date, he has recorded two highly acclaimed CDs with them and his 2011 release, “State of Art,” earned 4 1/2 stars from Downbeat and topped the charts on Jazz Radio Week and iTunes.
Williams's 2015 release “Coming of Age” was nominated for five Grammys. He is now touring to feature music from this deeply personal recording that reflects his growth as a composer and emerging voice as an advocate for change.
This new CD affirms Williams's ability to incorporate a brilliant mix of what's currently hip - hip-hop and funk - with a classic sensibility that reflects his deep respect for the jazz tradition and appreciation for the mentors with whom he has studied and performed
For his concert at the VJC, Williams will be using his core quintet.
“I'm always looking for guys who are team players, who are great players but know how to elevate the whole band,” Williams says. “They play in a way that makes everybody else around them sound better, but also bring their own voice to the music.”