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WILLIAM PATERSON UNIVERSITY
PROFESSOR CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN JAZZ James Williams, associate professor of music and director of the jazz studies program at William Paterson University in Wayne, celebrates his star-studded quarter century anniversary in jazz at ManhattanÕs distinguished jazz venue, the Blue Note, beginning Tuesday, August 28 and continuing through Sunday, September 2. The "All-Star Retrospective" will feature jazz giants Clark Terry, Jon Faddis, Tom Harrell, and Christian McBride, among others. Williams was appointed director of jazz studies at William Paterson University in 1999, but his tenure in jazz education began in 1975 at Berklee College of Music. He taught at the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford and served as artist-in-residence at several institutions, including Eastern Illinois University, Cornish College, the New England Conservatory, Dartmouth College and Harvard University. Additionally he is a presenter of clinics, lectures and workshops at Howard University, Shelby State Community College, McGill University, and the Royal Academy of Music (London). Recognition for James's talents has come from many directions. He was recognized with Keith Jarrett and Diana Krall in "Down Beat" magazineÕs 47th [1999] Annual Critics' Poll for Jazz Artist of the Year. Benny Golson recently mentioned Williams as an exceptional leader in the field of jazz. Marian McPartland, host of National Public Radio's "Piano Jazz," featured Williams as guest on three separate occasions. He was also a guest of the "Tonight Show" band under the direction of Branford Marsalis. Williams was a charter member of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra under the direction of David Baker and Gunther Schuller. His "Blindfold Test" with Michael Bourne appeared in the January 1992 issue of "Down Beat" magazine. "The New York Times," "Contemporary Keyboard" and "Jazz Player" have published interviews with Williams. WilliamsÕ lists of repertoire, recordings, compositions and "played with" are too numerous to mention, but can be accessed on the Web site www.jazzcorner.com. Information on the jazz studies program at William Paterson University can be obtained at 973.720.2268. For information on James Williams at the Blue Note, phone 212.475.8592 or reference www.bluenote.net. # # #
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