Bruce Williams

Bruce Kevin Williams is a fiery young lion on the alto saxophone. Born in Washington, D.C., he is highly spoken of by his seniors and peers. Cecil Brooks III remarks that Bruce is, " . . . one of the best young alto players on the scene."

He is an award winning saxophonist; the receipient of First Place in the 1993 Down Beat magazine student awards and was the second runner-up in the 1993 Music & More Charlie Parker Awards. His talent and feel for jazz and blues has far surpassed his age. Steve Turre, noted trombonist said, "Bruce has exceptional talents and gifts."

Bruce has appeared as a sideman and a leader in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He has performed with The World Saxophone Quartet, Roy Hargrove Quintet, Cecil Brooks, Russell Gunn, Stanley Cowell, Frank Foster's Loud Minority Big Band, Little Jimmy Scott and The Count Basie Orchestra. He has also made appearances with Stanley Turrentine, Branford Marsalis and McCoy Tyner.

This thoughtful and probing young man is also gifted with a talent for composition, which is exhibited on his debut release entitled "BROTHERHOOD" and his current release “ALTOICITY” on Savant Records. Joe Ford, featured alto saxophonist of Jerry Gonzales' Fort Apache Band said ". . . he's impressed me with his creativity and improvisational abilities."

“Bruce Williams is a part of the next wave of young jazz prodigies exhibiting soul and virtuosity,” said Tenor Saxophonist and Jazz Innovator Branford Marsalis, "Bruce 'Blow-Daddy' holds the tools to be a major force in today's jazz music." Bassist and Musical Educator, Rufus Reid reflects, "There's no doubt in my mind he’ll become a major league player." He is the alto sax player of the future.

Resume:

Teaching Experience

1986 - Present Teacher of private saxophone lessons in the New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas.

1995 - Present Saxophone clinician for the Jazz Institute of New Brunswick

1998 - Present Adjunct Saxophone Instructor at Bloomfield College, New Jersey

1999 - Present Saxophone Instructor for NJPAC Jazz for Teens Program

2002 - Adjunct Saxophone Instructor at the New School, NYC

Endorsements

Present Yanagisawa Saxophones

Vandoren Reeds & Accessories

Sennheiser Evolution Microphones

Consultant

Assists clients in the personalized selection of woodwinds and accessories.

Performance History:

1993 - Present Cecil Brooks III (drummer/producer/Muse/HighNote Records)

1993 - 1995 Pete "La Roca" Sims (drummer/Blue Note Records)

1994 - 1995 The Lionel Hampton Orchestra (vibraphone)

1994 - Present Tess Marsalis & The Swing Daddies Big Band (vocalist) conducted by Frank Foster

1994 - Present Russell Gunn Hip Hop Jazz Sextet (trumpeter/Atlantic Records)

1995 Winard Harper (drummer/Savant Records)

1995-Present Jimmy McGriff (organist/Fantasy Records)

1995-Present Jimmy Scott (vocalist/Artist Only Records)

1996-Present Stanley Cowell (pianist/Steeplechase Records)

1996-Present Cindy Blackman Quartet (drummer/Muse/Highnote Records)

1996-Present Spirit of Life Ensemble (Rise Up Records)

1996-Present The Loud Minority and Swing Plus Big Bands led by Frank Foster

AutonumStartLincoln Center Jazz Orchestra w/Wynton Marsalis

1997-Present Roy Hargrove Quintet/Big Band (trumpeter/Verve Records)

1998 Oliver Lake Ensemble (altos sax/composer/Black Saint Records)

2000-Present Count Basie Orchestra led by Grover Mitchell

2001-Present The World Saxophone Quartet (JustinTime Records)

Education

1987-1990 The University of the District Columbia, full music scholarship recipient

1990-1993 William Paterson College of Wayne, New Jersey