Jam in the Cafe

Described as an “exceptional player nestled in the NYC scene loaded with talent, purpose and poignancy”, (Julian Joseph OBE, BBC Radio 3’s J to Z), U.K. born pianist Wilfie Williams is a fresh voice on the NYC scene. He became enamoured with the sounds of jazz after listening to Wynton Kelly and Miles Davis as a child. His interest became a passion at age 13 when he began studying with pianists Julian Joseph OBE and Trevor Watkis, performing at the London Jazz Festival aged only 16. In 2017 Wilfie won a full scholarship to Berklee’s degree program, allowing him to continue studying with NEA Jazz Master JoAnne Brackeen privately. Whilst at Berklee, Wilfie was privileged to perform with both Tia Fuller and Ralph Peterson in their bands, at venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola and the DC Jazz Festival. Ralph’s Gen-Next Big Band went on to win the 2021 Downbeat Award for Rising Star Big Band, with Wilfie arranging and remotely recording the final piece by the band during the pandemic. Since moving to New York City in 2021, Wilfie has enjoyed playing with artists and heroes like Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Dezron Douglas and Steve Wilson. He leads various groups of his own across the city, playing at venues like Small’s, Mezzrow, Ornithology and The Django, drawing influences from the likes of Mulgrew Miller, Donald Brown and JoAnne Brackeen.