About the Artist

​

(a Recognized Jazz Pianist on a mission to uphold
the great heritage of jazz - an American Art form)

 

           Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Jordan began playing jazz classics by ear at age 6.  He began his formal jazz studies at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts and European classical piano studies at Philadelphia’s Settlement Music School when he was 7 years old.

​           Jordan is a recent graduate of The George Washington University earning degrees in both Jazz Studies and Engineering.  While at GW, he received a four-year scholarship as a Presidential Scholar for the Arts, and performed regularly with the Latin Band, Jazz Combo, The Voice (a gospel band) and at numerous public jazz venues throughout the D.C. Metro area.

          Throughout his childhood, he developed a European classical repertoire that included the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joesph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frederic Chopin, Johannes Brahms, Claude Debussy, and many more. 

          In conjunction with his European classical studies at an early age, Jordan learned a plethora of jazz standards and began performing with great jazz musicians on the Philadelphia jazz scene. These performers include Robert Landham, Mike Boone, Robert Henderson, Richard Adderly, Sherry Butler, Jonathan Michel, Khary Shaheed, Nimrod Speaks, and more. By age 11, he had formed his own band, The Young Lions Jazz Trio, and he performed his first concert as a leader at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. He also performed in various jazz big bands and orchestras since the age of 12. As a teenager, Jordan began to assist the Musical Director at his local Baptist church in Philadelphia, PA; playing select church services and accompanying singers as instructed. He has worked regularly as a pianist in Baptist churches throughout the Washington, DC and New York, NY metropolitan areas. 

​          His biggest jazz influences have been James P. Johnson, Jelly Roll Morton, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Wynton Kelly, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Kenny Kirkland, Mulgrew Miller, and a plethora of other greats. His current living mentors include his father (who played drums and first introduced him to jazz music), Orrin Evans, Cyrus Chestnut, Jason Moran, Benny Green and more.

       Influenced by his community, culture, and the "Sound of  Philly",  he aspires to

perform music that speaks to everyone. Jordan is a recognized jazz pianist on a mission to uphold the great heritage of the American classical art form  -  jazz. 

         

  He has reached SEVERAL MILESTONES...

•            two time National Young Arts  Winner;

•            Kennedy Center Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency;

•            Grammy Band Finalist;

•            TED Conference Performer;

•            2011 Berklee 5 Week Program;

•            2012 Berklee 5 Week Program w/ Teri Lyne Carrington;

•            Apollo Theater "Legendary Star of Tomorrow"

•            Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition - Semifinalist

•                  There is much more in store in his young career.

                                                                                     Stay tuned! 

​

                         

         

Currently performing in numerous jazz clubs, churches and corporate events throughout Europe, New York , New Jersey, the D.C. Metro area, Philadelphia, and more.

CONTACT ME 

for your next Musical  Event

jordanwilliams88keys@gmail.com

​