SONOR Drums has announced the addition of drummer, educator, and recording artist Billy Williams to its artist roster.
"Known for his impeccable musicianship, versatility, and dedication to the craft, Williams brings decades of experience and passion to the SONOR family," they said in a statement. "Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Williams began playing drums at the age of ten at Brotherly Love Church of God in Christ in the Titustown section of Norfolk, VA. Under the guidance of his mother, the church's choir director and pianist, he discovered a deep love for music that would shape his life's journey."
“My experience at Brotherly Love and later at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk laid the foundation for everything that I’d experience later on in my musical life,” says Williams.
"A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Billy has toured extensively throughout the world, with performances in London, Paris, Dubai, Tokyo, Beijing, Milan, Amsterdam, Berlin, Barcelona, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Vienna, Zurich, Montreux, Doha, Singapore, Jakarta, Brazil, and across the United States. He has worked with master musicians including Benny Golson, Cyrus Chestnut, Warren Wolf, Jon Faddis, Raul Midon, Steve Davis, Gary Bartz, and Ellis Marsalis, and contributed to over 50 recordings," they added. "His latest release as a leader, '.beedubyah,' is available now on all major streaming platforms. With this new partnership, Williams will be playing SONOR drums exclusively."
“SONOR has long been the standard in quality for drums,” says Williams. “The attention to detail—from construction to range to functionality to durability to aesthetics—is second to none. Whether playing a SONOR kit from the 60's or one that was built last week, there is the guarantee of an instrument built to last and serve the task at hand."
"In addition to his performance work, Billy is a sought-after educator, having served as a Jazz Studies Artist-In-Residence at Duke University, JazzSTL, Centrum Jazz Workshop, and more," they said. "His drum and cymbal sounds have also been captured for the “Straight Ahead! Jazz Drums” and “Straight Ahead! Jazz Brushes and Mallets” sample libraries, helping producers and musicians around the world access authentic jazz grooves."
"Currently based in Richmond, VA, Billy lives with his wife, Nicole, and daughter, Billie. He continues to perform, teach, and inspire the next generation of artists."
For more information, visit: https://www.sonor.com/drums/artists/artists-detail/billy-williams
