WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY TO HOLD MEMORIAL CONCERT FOR JAMES WILLIAMS, RENOWNED PIANIST AND DIRECTOR OF JAZZ STUDIES, ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 4 P.M.

A memorial concert for James Williams, the internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and composer who served as director of jazz studies and associate professor of music at William Paterson University from 1999 until his death in July, will be held on Sunday, September 19 at 4 p.m. in Shea Center on the University’s campus in Wayne. The concert will benefit the newly established James Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Several ensembles comprised of James Williams’ former students will perform, including the William Paterson Jazz Ensemble, directed by David Demsey, coordinator of jazz studies and professor of music. Also scheduled to appear are Clark Terry, the renowned jazz trumpeter; Dr. Donald Brown, piano, a former member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers; Tony Reedus, drums, and James Williams’ nephew; and William Paterson jazz faculty members Steve La Spina, bass; Marcus McLaurine, bass; Horacee Arnold, piano; and Chico Mendoza, drums.

Williams performed with a long list of jazz greats, including Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Joe Henderson, Clark Terry, Chet Baker, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Thad Jones, Kenny Burrell, and Freddie Hubbard. He also led his own groups, including Intensive Care Unit, a jazz-gospel ensemble. A member of the William Paterson faculty since 1999,Williams brought jazz legends such as Clark Terry, Billy Taylor, and Pat Metheny to campus, was active in the establishment of the Thad Jones Archive, which houses original manuscripts and arrangements by Jones, and took a central role in the development of the critically acclaimed Jazz Room Series, now entering its 27th season of concerts.

Admission is $12, $9 for senior citizens and members of the William Paterson community. Admission for William Paterson students is free. All proceeds from the concert will go toward the James Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. For information, contact the Shea Center Box Office at 973-720-2371.

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For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966

9/15/04