The Man Behind the Music
He has been part of the San Francisco jazz scene well over 25 years and plays regularly with world-class musicians, guitarist Eric Swinderman, bassist, Ruth Davies and drummer, Ranzel Merritt. His most significant influences include Hampton Hawes, Les McCann, Ahmad Jamal, Thelonious Monk, Ramsey Lewis, Herbie Hancock, Shirley Horn, Miles Davis, Junior Mance, and Carmen McRae just to name a few.
In addition to his work as a performing artist, Marty’s arranging, composing and producing abilities are enhanced by his certification as an Apple Certified Logic Pro.
Marty’s most recent CD, “The Hidden Treasures” showcases his incredible talent. He invites us to listen closely to his voice on the piano and in his interpretation of some of his most favorite tunes. He tells us there’s a story there that just might give us some insight into the life of a very talented musician who has spent his life in pursuit of his own voice and style of his dream.
Bay Area jazz pianist and vocalist, Marty Williams, was called “The Catalyst” by San Francisco Chronicle critic Phil Elwood. Anna DeLeon of Anna’s Jazz Island said: “Marty Williams is one of the Bay Area’s treasures. His piano playing and singing are passionate, humorous, and unique. Think Oscar Brown Jr. plus Mose Allison plus Monk with just a dash of Redd Foxx! Yes, unique!”
Marty’s formal training came well after he received his “calling”—he tells the story of listening to Ahmad Jamal's album “Voices” as a turning point for him. Listening to that album and pondering the questions a young man faces in his life, Marty knew his destiny was to play the piano. As with so many great jazz pianists, Marty’s spirit taught him how to play the music he felt.
Throughout his career Marty has played at numerous venues and with many other notable musicians in the US and abroad. Providing us with a glimpse of what fuels Mr. William’s performances, he revealed,“I’ve suffered devastating loss and a miraculous second chance at life in my 60s. My music gives me away of sharing that pain and joy with my audience. I’m always moved by how we connect as fellow human beings through the shared experience of listening to the sounds of skins, keys, strings, and voice.”
