Ben Williams’s Coming Of Age Coming April 21st

BEN WILLIAMS GROWS UP ON NEW ALBUM COMING OF AGE DUE FOR RELEASE APRIL 21^ST

INCLUDES VERSIONS OF NIRVANA’S “SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT” AND LIANNE LA HAVAS’ “LOST & FOUND”

ALBUM AVAILABLE ON CD AND VINYL

Acclaimed bassist Ben Williams delivers his sophomore album titled Coming of Age, April 21, 2015, on CD and vinyl via Concord Jazz. Continuing to implore the common elements of jazz, hip-hop, rock and soul, the young bandleader embarks on a bolder journey in this album with more music by his own hand and a reflection of his new outlook as a seasoned musician. Coming of Age for the 30-year-old Williams means playing a lively role among his peers and a vital part in the music world at large. Winner of the 2009 Monk Institute Competition, Williams cites this as a turning point in his musical odyssey, “My career as a bandleader and composer started from the moment I won,” he says. “I had this opportunity to say something—and an obligation, too.” The CD and vinyl are now available for pre-order on Amazon (CD http://smarturl.it/bwcomingofagecd and vinyl http://smarturl.it/bwcomingofagelp).

Revered by The Washington Post as “Successfully translating the musical pulse of his era into jazz,” Williams has secured a masterful selection of special guests featured on this project. They include renowned jazz trumpeter Christian Scott on the cover of Lianne La Havas’ melancholy “Lost & Found” that is draped by a string quartet, vibraphonist Stefon Harris on an original piece titled “The Color of My Dreams,” and emcee/poet W. Ellington Felton who leads the listener through “Toy Soldiers (reprise).” Williams also reconnects with American soul singer Goapele for a second collaboration with the pivotal anthem “Voice of Freedom (for Mandela).” Completing the vision is Williams’ band, Sound Effect, comprised of Marcus Strickland (tenor and soprano saxophone), Matthew Stevens (guitar), Christian Sands (piano and Fender Rhodes), Masayuki “Big Yuki” Hirano (synths and Fender Rhodes), John Davis (drums) and Etienne Charles (percussion).

The CD offers eleven tracks with nine original compositions by Williams and the rare vinyl addition offers eight pieces from the CD’s repertoire, including a free download of all eleven tracks. Showcasing his impeccable talent for acoustic and electric bass, this album creates an experience that demands to be heard by a wide breadth of generations.

CD TRACK LISTING:

   1.   Black Villain Music (4:26)

 

   2.   Strength and Beauty (5:25)

 

   3.   Half Steppin’ (7:21)

 

   4.   Voice of Freedom (for Mandela) featuring Goapele (4:44)

 

   5.   Toy Soldiers (8:03)

 

   6.   Lost & Found (6:19)

 

   7.   Forecast (8:15)

 

   8.   The Color of My Dreams (8:03)

     

   9.   Smells Like Teen Spirit (3:20)

     

10.   Toy Soldiers (Reprise) (2:42)

 

11.   Coming of Age (7:53)

 

VINYL TRACK LISTING:

 

Side A

 

   1.   Black Villain Music (4:26)

 

   2.   Voice of Freedom (for Mandela) featuring Goapele (4:44)

 

   3.   Toy Soldiers (8:03)

 

   4.   Lost & Found (6:19)

 

Side B

 

   1.   Half Steppin’ (7:21)

 

   2.   Smells Like Teen Spirit (3:20)

 

   3.   Toy Soldiers (Reprise) (8:03)

 

   4.   Coming of Age (7:53)