For 50 years bassist Charles “Buster” Williams has been one of the most prolific musicians in jazz music. Calling him a ‘sideman’ is purely an understatement. Williams musicianship has allowed him to build relationships and partnerships that have lasted well into this decade. The Camden, New Jersey native was exposed to music by this father who was both a pianist and bassist. Buster’s father saw that he wanted to play the bass and developed a rigorous program where he’d eventually become a musician. Today he credits his father for his teaching and playing style.

Upon graduating high school, Buster attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia where he majored in composition and theory. His first professional gigs were with the legendary Jimmy Heath, Gene Ammons, and Sonny Stitt. For almost a decade he backed and accompanied some of the best jazz vocalists like Dakota Staton, Betty Carter, Sarah Vaughan, and Nancy Wilson. Other notable acts he performed with were The Jazz Crusaders, Eddie Henderson, Miles Davis, and the Bobby Hutcherson/Herald Land quintet.

Jazz fans really took notice and gave him lots of respect when he backed pianist Herbie Hancock’s Mwandisi Sextet from 1969 to 1973. Buster played both the electric and double bass while playing in his unit.

Currently, Williams’s “Something More Quartet” features Patrice Rushen on piano, Steve Wilson on saxophones, and Cindy Blackman-Santana on drums. “Something More” was created a little over 20 years ago and allows Buster to compose and perform his own music. His latest disc HighNote Record’s release “Griot Liberte’” features vibraphonist Stefon Harris, drummer Lenny White, and pianist George Colligan. For upcoming tour dates and info visit Buster online at busterwilliams.com