Primary Instrument: Keyboard
The Always Reliable… Charles D. Williams is a native of Kansas City, Kansas. Mr. Williams has played piano for over 40 years. As a trombonist, Mr. Williams also had the pleasure of participating in the Turner House Jazz series in the 70’s ��” having opportunity to play with such great jazz artist as: Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Roy Ayers, Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Frank Wess, Clark Terry, Ernie Wilkins, Rich Matteson, and many more.
As a pianist, Mr. Williams has accompanied many legendary artist such as: Sonny Kenner, Claude “Fiddler” Williams, Queen Bey, Angela Hagenbach, Sharon Thompson, The McFadden Brothers, Bobby Watson, Dr. Wayne Goins (Jazz Director at KSU), Richard Ross, and many more. He toured in Brazil in 1998, where he accompanied jazz singer Queen Bey and the internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist, Arthur Blythe; served as the accompanist musician for the KC Boys Choir from 1997-2000; and, was a featured artist for the 2004 and 2005 Swing Series Concert seasons at the Manhattan Arts Center in Manhattan KS. Recently, he was featured at Kansas City’s Rhythm and Ribs Jazz Festival in 2006. Today, Mr. Williams performs with his own ensembles; while also serving as the pianist for both, the Louis Neal Orchestra (Louis Neal, director) and The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (Jim Mair, director); and, he also performs regularly as keyboardist with widely renowned singer, Ida McBeth. In the supplemental areas of music education, community service and artistic outreach, Mr. Williams has established a Keyboard Academy where he teaches students to play keyboard during various weekly music instruction programs. “I believe in sharing my gift with others so that it will be passed on with the hope that they would do the same thing.” ~ Charles D. Williams
Primary Instrument:
Keyboard
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
