Jordan Williams Trio

Originally from Philadelphia, Jordan began playing jazz classics by ear at age 6. He began his formal jazz studies at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & the Performing Arts and classical piano at Settlement Music School when he was 7 years old. By age 11, he had formed his own band, The Young Lions Trio, and he performed his first "gig" at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. Jordan is a recent graduate of The George Washington University, where he received dual degrees in Jazz Studies and Engineering. While at GW, he received a four year scholarship as a Presidential Scholar for the Arts, and performed regularly with the Latin Band, Jazz Combo, The Voice (a gospel/praise band) and at numerous public jazz venues throughout D.C. Metro area. His biggest jazz influences have been James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Kirkland, Mulgrew Miller, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Jason Moran, and Orrin Evans. His father (a drummer) is also one of his greatest influences, as he first exposed him to jazz. His biggest classical influences have been Johann Sebastian Bach, Frederic Chopin, and Claude Debussy. His jazz repertoire consists of all the traditional jazz standards, big band arrangements, Jazz Funk, and his own original compositions. Classical repertoire consists of pieces from the classical, baroque, romantic, and impressionistic and 20th century eras. In addition he is regularly called to play gospel music for church services. He has reached several milestones - two time National Young Arts Winner; Kennedy Center Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency; Grammy Band Finalist; TED Conference Performer; 2011 Berklee 5 Week Program (age 15); 2012 Berklee 5 Week Program (age 16) w/ Teri Lyne Carrington; Apollo Theater "Legendary Star of Tomorrow"... and still ... THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Influenced by his community, culture, and the "Sound of Philly", he aspires to perform music that speaks to everyone. Jordan is a recognized jazz pianist on a mission to uphold the great heritage of the American classical art form - jazz.