Buster Williams

Charles Anthony "Buster" Williams, born on April 17, 1942, is an American jazz bassist. He became well-known for his work in the early 1970s as part of pianist Herbie Hancock's group. Buster also played with guitarist Larry Coryell and was a member of Thelonious Monk's repertory band called Sphere. Over the years, he has been a favorite accompanist for many famous singers, including Nancy Wilson. His talent and skill on the bass have made him an important figure in the world of jazz music.

Biography

Charles Anthony “Buster” Williams was born on April 17, 1942. His father was a musician who played bass, drums, and piano, and had band rehearsals at home in Camden, New Jersey. This early exposure to jazz inspired Williams to focus on the bass, especially after hearing a record by Oscar Pettiford. He began playing bass as a teenager and had his first professional gig while still in junior high school.

Williams attended Camden High School and later studied music at Combs College of Music. He worked with many famous singers, including Nancy Wilson, and moved to Los Angeles. He joined Herbie Hancock’s band in the late 1960s, helping to explore new electronic sounds in jazz. Williams recorded many albums as a leader and sideman, working with artists like Larry Coryell and Tony Williams. He continued to perform and teach music throughout his career.

Film and television work

Buster Williams worked on many film soundtracks and television commercials for brands like Coca-Cola, Budweiser, and Old Spice. In 1969, he played on the soundtrack for the film Mackenna's Gold with Quincy Jones. He also worked on the 1981 film Le Choix des Armes, with music by Philippe Sarde and the London Symphony Orchestra.

In the 1990s, Williams contributed to the music for David Lynch's Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me and for Spike Lee's film Clockers. He made several TV appearances, including performing on The Tonight Show with Branford Marsalis_’s band and backing Erroll Garner. He also appeared on The Andy Williams Show with Nancy Wilson, and with Bill Cosby on The Joan Rivers Show, and with Joe Williams on Sesame Street. In 2004, he appeared in Steven Spielberg's film The Terminal, and in 2019, a documentary called Buster Williams, From Bass to Infinity was released.

Personal life

Buster Williams married Veronica in 1965. They met when they were in junior high school. As of 2014, they lived together in Camden. In 1972, Williams’ sister introduced him to a Buddhist practice called Nam-myoho-renge-kyo. After his wife had a health problem from a car accident, they both started this practice. Buster has kept this tradition ever since as part of the global Buddhist group Soka Gakkai International. His album Griot Libertè from 2004 was inspired by a time when Veronica got very sick and recovered after a heart problem.

Awards and honors

Buster Williams received many honors for his work. He was nominated for a Grammy and also got a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for his music. In 1991, he received a Fellowship Grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts. He was also recognized by groups such as the Min-On Concert Association, RVC Corporation, and Soka Gakkai International.

Critical reception

Buster Williams was praised by jazz experts for his amazing skills. One guide called him "one of the key sidemen in modern jazz" and liked how he plays with perfect harmony and rhythm. A critic named Ron Wynn said the band he played with was one of the best ever. Another critic, Thomas Conrad, liked Williams' album Houdini from 2001 and said it showed how a bassist can play important solos without messing up the whole band. In his hands, the bass sounds like a full voice on its own.

Gear

Buster Williams plays a special bass made by Boosey & Hawkes from the late 1800s. He uses La Bella strings and a Fishman BP-100 pickup. For his sound, he uses a 1x15 Polytone Mini-Brute bass amp.

Discography

As leader

Buster Williams has released many albums as the main artist. Some of his albums include Pinnacle, Crystal Reflections, Tokudo, Heartbeat, Dreams Come True, Two as One with Kenny Barron, Something More, Somewhere Along the Way, Lost in a Memory, Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1999, Houdini, Joined at the Hip, Griot Libertè, 65 Roses, Buster Williams Live Volume 1, Audacity, and Unalome.

As sideman