Jordan Williams — artist
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.