Ben Williams, a Washington, DC native, grew up in an artistic family that included musicians, visual artists, and rappers. Ben Williams was a bright student at Duke Ellington High School of the Arts. He played in the jazz band and gospel choir, and also performed in extracurricular gigs. After graduating with high honors, Ben was awarded scholarships and distinctions by the Fish Middleton Scholarship Competition and International Society of Bassist. Ben won the 2009 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition. This prestigious award has helped many musicians launch successful careers. Williams earned a Bachelors in Music Education degree from Michigan State University in 2007, and a Master in Music degree from Julliard School. Over the course of his remarkable career, Ben has performed with Wynton Maralis, Herbie Hancock and Terence Blanchard. He also received a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Michigan State University in 2007 as well as a Master’s degree from the Julliard School in 2009. He also performed and recorded regularly with the bands of Jacky Terrasson, vibraphonist Stefon Hargrove, and Marcus Strickland. Ben has been a leader of his own groups at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola and Harlem Stage, Harlem Stage and the Rubin Museum of Art, as well as the Tribeca Performing Arts Centers and Saratoga Performing Arts Centers. His debut CD as a leader, State of Art, was released by Concord Jazz in June 2011. from http://www.forbassplayersonly.com
