Piano: Claude Williamson Bass: Don Prell Drums: Chuck Flores

Claude Berkeley Williamson (November 18, 1926 – July 16, 2016) was an American jazz pianist.

Williamson was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, United States.[1] He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music before moving to jazz,[1] influenced mainly by Teddy Wilson, then by Al Haig and Bud Powell. In 1947, he moved to California, working first with Teddy Edwards, then with Red Norvo in San Francisco, with Charlie Barnet in 1949, and with June Christy for two years.[1] Later he worked with Max Roach, Art Pepper and others.[1] Williamson was a longtime member of the Lighthouse All-Stars (substituting for pianist Russ Freeman), performing with Bud Shank, Stan Levey, Bob Cooper, Conte Candoli and Howard Rumsey.[1] In 1956, he became the piano player in the Bud Shank quartet. In 1968, he started working as a pianist for NBC, first on The Andy Williams Show, then for Sonny and Cher. In 1978, Williamson went back to the jazz world and released many albums, mainly for Japanese labels,[1] often accompanied by Sam Jones and Roy Haynes. In 1995 he made a trio recording for Fresh Sound Records at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles.

His younger brother was trumpeter Stu Williamson (1933–1991).[1]

He died on July 16, 2016, at the age of 89.[2]

Discography

With Chet Baker

With Maynard Ferguson

With Stan Kenton

With Barney Kessel

With Spokes Mashiyane

With Gerry Mulligan and Johnny Hodges

With Art Pepper

With Dizzy Reece and Ted Curson

With Pete Rugolo

With Bud Shank

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Colin Larkin, ed. (2002). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Fifties Music (Third ed.). Virgin Books. p. 499. ISBN 1-85227-937-0.
  2. ^ "Jazz news: Claude Williamson (1926-2016)". Allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved October 29, 2019.
  3. ^ "Claude Williamson | Album Discography | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  4. ^ Allen, Siemon. "Spokes Mashiyane and the Claude Williamson Trio". Flatinternational: South African Music Archive. flatinternational. Retrieved February 23, 2023.

External links

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