203 - From Charlie Parker to Prince: The Ben Williams Interview

When Ben Williams won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in 2009, he did so by impressing a panel of judges that included bass greats Charlie Haden, Ron Carter and Dave Holland. Lately he’s been keeping himself busy with a host of impressive side projects with artists like Pat Metheny, Sting and vocalist Syndee Winters. In this episode, we get the lowdown on his career so far, and how he juggles life as a bandleader, singer, songwriter and bassist.

In this episode you’re going to learn:

• How Ben got started with the double bass. 
• Why he always wanted to be like Prince. 
• How he approaches upright bass and bass guitar.
• All about his new project, Butterfly Black.
• And much more.