Richard Williams

Trumpeter Richard Williams was active on the New York scene mainly in the 1960's and 70's.  A first rate musician, he had the nickname “Notes”.  In addition to jazz combos Williams worked steadily in Broadway show pits, classical music ensembles, many big bands, and modernist large ensembles.  As such, he participated in many significant musical endeavors over time, but not in the forefront or the limelight.

Richard Williams was born on May 4, 1931 in Galveston, Texas.  After college, Williams entered the service and spent many years in an Air Force unit that intensified his musical studies.  Stationed for a time in San Francisco, he stayed in California and performed in Bay Area clubs.  Williams moved to New York City in the late 1950's and resided here the rest of his life.  He did graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music, obtaining a Master’s Degree.

Williams made his first jazz records with Charles Mingus in 1959 (“Mingus Dynasty”). For several years he participated in the Mingus workshop groups and with Mingus-mate John Handy, and he appears on some of their classic recordings.  Another significant association was as a key member in the working group of Gigi Gryce in the early 1960's.  He was also a vital participant in Slide Hampton’s medium-size ensembles, including their notable 1962 European tour and Atlantic records.  Other important early credits include colleagues as diverse as Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Leo Wright, Yusef Lateef and Booker Ervin.

Surprisingly, Williams made only one record as a leader under his own name – “New Horn In Town” – for Candid Records in 1960.  It’s a beauty.

Richard Williams was an important musician around town for many dates.  A relevant example is his association with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis (Vanguard) Orchestra in the beginning years of that significant band.  In that vein he would also be on call for work as diverse as Tolliver’s Music Inc. to the studio big bands that backed some of Aretha Franklin’s music.

Still working in the 1980's, Williams appeared with the Mingus alumni ensembles and the Illinois Jacquet big band.

Richard Williams died of kidney disease in 1985 at the age of 54.

While you may not know his name, you can see that we’ll have plenty of interesting records to play during this three hour long retrospective tribute.

 

originally broadcast December 15, 2019

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