Steve Williams (jazz drummer)

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Image:SteveWilliams.png Steve Williams, born January 7, 1956 in Rochester, New York, is an american jazz drummer.

He acquired his titles of nobility serving, for twenty five years, one of the greatest jazz pianists and singers Shirley Horn.

Steve Williams grew up in Washington, DC, continued his music education at the University of Miami. There he joins Monty Alexander's band with whom he starts to perform on the international scene.

He furthers his music education in New York, with Billy Hart.

Back in Washington, Steve Williams plays locally with Milt Jackson, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Williams, Woodie Shaw, Gary Bartz, Eddie Henderson, John Hicks, Larry Willis, Mulgrew Miller and many others. He joins Gary Thomas' band, with whom he records one of his first compositions "Pads".

Then he joins Shirley Horn, who would keep for twenty five years the same rhythm section: Charles Ables (bass) and Steve Williams (drums). Critic Don Heckman wrote in the Los Angeles Times (February 2, 1995) about "the importance of bassist Charles Ables and drummer Steve Williams to the Horn's sound. Working with boundless subtelty, following her every spontaneous twist and turn, they were the ideal accompanists for a performer who clearly will tolerate nothing less than perfection". His music relationship with the pianist and singer gives him the opportunity to tour the world and record with such artists as Toots Thielemans, Branford Marsalis and Wynton Marsalis, Carmen McRae, Roy Hargrove and Miles Davis.

After his long collaboration with Shirley Horn, Steve Williams moves to New York where he studies with Michael Carvin. He pursues his music career with his own quintet promoting original compositions by the band members. His first album as a leader New Incentive is released in January 2007. The musicians are: Olivier Hutman (p), Michael Bowie (b), Donvonte McCoy (t), et Antoine Roney (s). John Hicks, Gary Bartz et Roy Hargrove are guests. According to the French jazz critic Renaud Czarnes, in [[Les Echos]] (January 26, 2007) "this record is a splendor. It revivals the kind of emotion that you only feel listening to the great sessions from the sixties. The compositions, signed by Steve Williams or other musicians from the band are dazzling. It is one of those that gives the strength to get up in the morning and the will to stretch out the night".

Known for his refinement with Shirley Horn, he is also appreciated as a powerfull and sensitive instrumentist, encouraging musical conversation.