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. Hes not only strong melodically and harmonically; he is also strong rhythmically because hes 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 CDsIntroducing 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.
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