Tom Williams

Introduction: Tom Williams offers private lessons for trumpet and drums. Tom is a trumpeter, drummer, composer, and bandleader. “I think Tom Williams is one of the strongest young trumpeters out here who deserves wider recognition. He’s not only strong melodically and harmonically; he is also strong rhythmically because he’s a drummer as well as a trumpet player.” –– Jimmy Heath, Master Saxophonist-Composer A native of Baltimore, Tom Williams has led a sparkling and varied career since he began studying trumpet and drums as a child. His talent was recognized at an early age by many, and he began working steadily on both trumpet and drums while still a high school student. After matriculating at Towson State University, Tom joined the renowned Duke Ellington Orchestra under the direction of Mercer Ellington, with whom he played the national tour of the Broadway smash, "Sophisticated Ladies." He is also toured Japan with the road company. In 1987, he enlisted in the US Army, and served 8 years as a featured soloist and clinician with the “Jazz Ambassadors” and “Army Blues” jazz ensembles. In 1991, he was a finalist and 2nd place winner in the first Louis Armstrong International Jazz Trumpet Competition sponsored by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. A versatile performer, Tom has played in the show bands of: • Pattie Labelle • Liberace • Anita Baker • Sid Caesar • Michael Feinstein • Joe Williams • Stevie Wonder • Rosemary Clooney • Aretha Franklin, to name a few He has appeared at numerous jazz festivals and venues with artist such as: • Donald Brown • Hank Jones • Philly Joe Jones • Gary Bartz • The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra • The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band • Michel Legrand • Ben Riley • Steve Wilson • The Woody Herman Orchestra • Frank Foster • Antonio Hart • Slide Hampton • Steve Turre Tom has recorded with: • Rob Bargad • Gary Bartz • Donald Brown • Antonio Hart • Jimmy Heath • The Heath Brothers • Larry Willis • Steve Wilson As a leader on Trumpet, Tom has recorded two CDs—Introducing Tom Williams and Straight Street on the Criss Cross Jazz™ label. As a drummer, Tom has performed with Curtis Fuller, Larry Willis, Javon Jackson, Kenny Drew Jr., Gloria Lynn, and Geoff Keezer. He is the leader of InterPlay, which has recorded “First Time” and “Pick Up The Pieces” on the JazzScapes™ label. He has taught both trumpet and drum set privately for over 20 years, and joined the jazz faculty at Howard Community College in 2009. For further info, please call or email.