Pianist, composer, and arranger Jessica Williams studied classical music at Peabody Conservatory. With her Trio they performed for ‘Jazz Night’ Tuesdays at Mimmie Jr.’s. Also seen at the Four Corners Inn.
Williams became a prolific jazz recording artist who’s early Baltimore area recordings were produced by Scott Johnson (of the group Both Worlds) and Jack Heyrman.
In the late ‘70s Jessica moved to Philadelphia where she played in several jazz combos before moving to San Francisco in 1978 and becoming a fixture at the popular Keystone Korner Jazz Club. Her recordings continued to be released on the local Clean Cuts label until the mid-’80s. Through 2009 Williams had released over 60 albums on labels including Jazz Focus, Concord, Timeless, Maxjazz, and her own Red and Blue label. Her recordings wave been nominated for three Grammy’s, as well as many ASCAP awards. Williams has performed at countless festivals and concert halls. More recently she performed at the Kennedy Center in D.C. in the Art Tatum Piano Jazz Series.
Accompanying Williams on her debut 1977 LP were Mike Bradshaw (bass), and Dave Tucker (drums). Her 1978 record release “Portrait” was a live double album. The “Update” album in 1982 featured jazz saxophone legend Eddie Harris.
Album releases by Jessica Williams include:
1977 Adelphi 5003 The Portal of Antrim
1978 Adelphi 5005 Portraits
1980 Clean Cuts 701 Rivers of Memory
1981 Clean Cuts 703 Orgonomic Music
1982 Clean Cuts 706 Update
1986 Black-Hawk 51301 Nothin’ but The Truth
