(MADISON, NJ) -- Saxophonist Bruce Williams, who hails from Washington, D.C. and currently resides in Montclair, NJ, has made his presence known on the jazz scene by garnering critical attention with his own enthusiastically received CD releases, Brotherhood and Altoicity (Savant Records), and Private Thoughts (Passin' Thru Records).
In addition, he's made an indelible impression as a sideman on more than 40 recording sessions. Williams has performed, toured, and recorded with a long roster of jazz legends including saxophonist/flutist Frank Foster, pianist Stanley Cowell, The Count Basie Orchestra, trombonist Curtis Fuller, and trumpeter Roy Hargrove, to name a few. As an educator, he is or has been involved with Jazz House Kids, Bard College, Princeton University, The New School, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Juilliard School.
On Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Madison (NJ) Community Arts Center, Williams’ quintet with Freddie Hendrix (trumpet), Elliot Bernard (piano), Chris Berger (bass) and Alvester Garnett (drums) will participate in Black History Month by celebrating the centennial of another great musician -- saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator Gigi Gryce (1925-1983).
Gryce never attained superstar status in the jazz world; in fact, his career as a musician only lasted about eight years. Nonetheless, during that time, he left a substantial legacy of outstanding recordings and compositions many of which endure to this day.
He was one of a group of accomplished, talented, and innovative jazz instrumentalists and composers of the 1950s including his friends such as trumpeter Clifford Brown, saxophonist Benny Golson, and pianists Horace Silver and Randy Weston. All of these artists helped transform bebop into a richer and more diverse genre that came to be known as hard bop and set the stage for the even more radical developments of the 1960s.
Although eventually overshadowed by his longer-tenured contemporaries, Gryce participated in many recording sessions between 1953 and 1961, often as leader. And he composed prolifically, with his body of work including such frequently performed pieces as “Minority” and “Social Call.” His talents and interests, however, extended beyond the boundaries of those usually associated with jazz artists. He was a pioneer in music publishing and served as a mentor to younger aspiring musicians who needed assistance with problems both musical and professional. In many ways, Gryce was far from the stereotype of the jazz musician of his time.
The Williams ensemble will play several of Gryce’s compositions and, in addition to the music performances, Montclair-based author, jazz researcher and musician Noal Cohen will discuss the artist’s life and music. Cohen is co-author with Michael Fitzgerald of Rat Race Blues: The Musical Life of Gigi Gryce, now in its second edition.
The Madison Community Arts Center is located at 10 Kings Road in Madison, NJ. The Jersey Jazz LIVE! concerts begin at 3:00pm. Admission is $10 for New Jersey Jazz Society members and $15 for non-members. Student admission is $5 with valid ID. There will be light refreshments for purchase. Tickets are available for purchase online.
This concert is generously sponsored by Noal Cohen, an NJJS member.
