About Wilfie
Described as an “exceptional player nestled in the NYC scene loaded with talent, purpose and poignancy”, (Julian Joseph OBE, BBC Radio 3), British pianist Wilfie Williams is a fresh voice in New York. He performs with Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Tyreek McDole and many more, as well as leading his own groups. Wilfie aims to share his art to "bring people together with a love of groove, melody and musical conversation".
He fell in love with music as a young child, distinctly remembering the sounds of Steely Dan, Wes Montgomery and Miles Davis. Playing the piano turned from a hobby to a passion at age 13, when Wilfie began traveling to London to learn from master musicians Julian Joseph, Trevor Watkis, Byron Wallen and Tony Kofi at the Julian Joseph Jazz Academy.
After performing at the London Jazz Festival aged only 16, Wilfie was awarded a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. There he had the opportunity to study with more world class artists; NEA Jazz Master JoAnne Brackeen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson Jr, Tia Fuller and Billy Kilson, among others.
Whilst at Berklee, Wilfie was privileged to perform with both Tia and Ralph in their bands, at venues such as Dizzy’s Club 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 made it a point to seek out the musical legends who live in there. He has shared the stage with artists like Lonnie Plaxico, Stacy Dillard, Steve Wilson, Bill Saxton, Frank Lacy, Josh Evans and Dezron Douglas. He holds the belief that learning through these experiences is an education that can't be bought.
Wilfie leads his own groups, playing regularly in NYC and beyond. He believes composition is essential to his vision, and performs his own tunes with trio and larger ensembles. He also enjoys writing and arranging for others, via commission or music directing for ensembles he is a part of.