Ben Williams

An award-winning jazz bassist, Ben Williams is a versatile performer whose style crosses easily between acoustic post-bop jazz, funk, and R&B. The winner of the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, Williams garnered attention playing with artists like Stefon Harris, Jacky Terrasson, and Marcus Strickland. His first two albums, 2011's State of Art and 2015's Coming of Age, showcased his vibrant blend of acoustic jazz, hip-hop, and fusion styles. He also won a Grammy Award for his work with Pat Metheny's Unity ensemble and has contributed to projects by Jose James, Eric Reed, Robert Glasper, and others. Williams added singing to his repertoire with 2020's I Am a Man and collaborated with singer/songwriter Syndee Winters on the R&B-infused 2023 EP Butterfly Black.