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Ben Williams Archives

Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass Returns in 2026 with All-Star Faculty and Historic LaFaro Bass
Events

Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass Returns in 2026 with All-Star Faculty and Historic LaFaro Bass

The Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass returns July 19–25, 2026 at Drew University, featuring top faculty and Scott LaFaro’s Prescott bass.

How Ben Williams and Nate Smith Shape the Pulse of ‘UNDEFEATED’ at KEXP
Bass Videos

How Ben Williams and Nate Smith Shape the Pulse of ‘UNDEFEATED’ at KEXP

Ben Williams brings warm tone and deep feel to Nate Smith’s UNDEFEATED at KEXP, offering a clear look at how a bassist and drummer can shape a live groove together.

Bass Icons Stanley Clarke and Ben Williams Unite for NJPAC Concert November 9
Concerts & Tours

Bass Icons Stanley Clarke and Ben Williams Unite for NJPAC Concert November 9

Stanley Clarke *N* 4EVER and bassist Ben Williams will perform at NJPAC on Nov 9 as part of the TD James Moody Jazz Festival.

Ben Williams Explores Faith, Family, and Culture on “Between Church and State”
New Albums

Ben Williams Explores Faith, Family, and Culture on “Between Church and State”

Between Church and State finds Ben Williams navigating spiritual and social themes with collaborators like Kamasi Washington, Chief Adjuah, and Kendra Foster.

Kamasi Washington Releases “Fearless Movement” with Miles Mosley, Thundercat, and Ben Williams
New Albums

Kamasi Washington Releases “Fearless Movement” with Miles Mosley, Thundercat, and Ben Williams

Jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington has returned with his fifth studio album, “Fearless Movement,” with Thundercat, Miles Mosley, and Ben Williams on bass.

NJPAC Announces Milt Hinton Institute for Bass for 2024
News

NJPAC Announces Milt Hinton Institute for Bass for 2024

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has announced the Milt Hinton Institute for Studio Bass, a performance camp for student bassists focusing solely on our instrument.

Sanborn Sessions: “Love Got In The Way” with Kandace Springs
Bass Videos

Sanborn Sessions: “Love Got In The Way” with Kandace Springs

I’ve always loved the Sanborn Sessions. I don’t know how I missed this episode, but it’s better late than never. Kandace Springs joined Dave and the band to record “Love Got In The Way,” with Ben Williams laying down some funky bass with a fat tone.

Le Coq’s “The Jazz All Stars, Vol. 2” Now Available
New Albums

Le Coq’s “The Jazz All Stars, Vol. 2” Now Available

Le Coq Records launched last January with “The Jazz All Stars, Vol. 1”. Now the fresh jazz label is showing off its impressive roster again with Volume 2 with John Patitucci, Chris Colangelo, and Ben Williams on bass.

Sanborn Sessions – Remote Session 5: Sting
Bass Videos

Sanborn Sessions – Remote Session 5: Sting

Dave Sanborn’s “The Sanborn Sessions” dropped another remote session episode recently, with Sting as the guest. The group performs Sting’s “Fragile” and The Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s “In My Own Dream”.

Sanborn Sessions – Session 6: Bob James
Bass Videos

Sanborn Sessions – Session 6: Bob James

I’ve been enjoying Dave Sanborn’s “Sanborn Sessions” series since day one, but episode #6 is my favorite so far. In this clip, guest Bob James joins the group for this incredible session. Ben Williams’ playing on this one is sublime.

Ben Williams Featured on José James’s “No Beginning No End 2”
New Albums

Ben Williams Featured on José James’s “No Beginning No End 2”

Singer/songwriter José James has released “No Beginning No End 2,” which serves as a sequel to his 2013 album on Blue Note Records. His fluid mix of jazz, pop, R&B, and soul remains intact, thanks in part to bassist Ben Williams.

Sanborn Sessions – Session 3: Inconsolable
Bass Videos

Sanborn Sessions – Session 3: Inconsolable

Since David Sanborn’s “Sanborn Sessions” debuted, I’m always looking forward to a new episode. In session #3, the band was joined by Jonatha Brooke and Charlie Hunter to perform Brooke’s song, “Inconsolable.” Ben Williams once again is on bass.