James Williams, 53; Jazz Pianist Played with Art Blakey, Others
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James Williams, 53, a jazz pianist who recorded with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and in his own ensembles, died Tuesday of liver cancer in New York City.
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Williams began playing in his hometown at age 13, concentrating initially on gospel and soul. After graduating from Memphis State University, he moved to Boston to teach at the Berklee College of Music.
He was a member of Blakey’s band from 1977 to 1981 and wrote several compositions. He played on 10 of the Blakey ensemble’s recordings.
He also recorded a number of albums as a frontman, including “Alter Ego” and “Awesome.” In 1984 he moved to New York City and formed the Contemporary Piano Ensemble, which included pianists Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller and Geoff Keezer.
In 1999, he became director of jazz studies at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J. He taught there until he was hospitalized in April.
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