John B. Williams shows his ‘Gratitude’

Noted bassist releases first disc as a leader with a little help from some friends

FOUNTAINBLEU Entertainment is proud to release the debut CD of world-renown bassist and composer John B. Williams, “Gratitude.”

Previously released in Japan “Gratitude” shows John B. making his long-anticipated debut as a leader/soloist and spoken-word artist. Accompanied by an extraordinary set of musicians, Llew Matthews on piano and Roy McCurdy on drums, John B. sets the up-beat tone with “Bass Calling Out,” an original reading for voice and solo bass. Sliding neatly into “Yesterdays,” the trio shows the strength and flexibility of long-time collaboration as they dance in and out of the melody and showcase each other. With another long-time friend Nancy Wilson lending her impeccable vocals to several tracks, “Blame It On My Youth”, You’ll See / My Funny Valentine,” John B. Williams finally gets show the world his full range of talents: bassist, composer, vocalist and leader. “Gratitude” indeed!

John B. Williams’ career spans over 30 years as a bassist/composer, and actor. He has played and recorded for some the world’s most respected jazz artists including: Nancy Wilson, Horace Silver, Count Basie, Billy Cobham, Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, and the Manhattan Transfer. Williams’ television credits include a post in the house band of “The Tonight Show” starring Johnny Carson and “The Arsenio Hall Show.” He was featured in a recurring role on the critically acclaimed “The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd.” He acted in and performed on the soundtrack of Polly Draper’s award-winning jazz film, “The Tic Code” starring Gregory Hines. He can be seen acting in the upcoming feature film by Polly Draper, “The Naked Brothers.” John B. is currently dividing his time between working with Michael Wolff’s “Impure Thoughts” band and Bobby Mato’s Afro-Latin group, while also co-leading a band with long-time friend, Bennie Maupin in the “Maupin/Williams Project.”

John B. Williams’ new CD release, Gratitude, is distributed by FOUNTAINBLEU Entertainment. For more information on John B., interview requests, or promotional materials, please contact FOUNTAINBLEU at (718) 296-8122.