Description
Ben Williams – Coming of Age (Concord Jazz, 2015) CD
UPC: 0888072357693
MPN: CRE-35769-02
Brand Name: Concord Jazz / Concord Music Group
Overview
Coming of Age is the second studio album by acclaimed bassist and composer Ben Williams, released under the Concord Jazz label in 2015. A follow-up to his award-winning debut State of Art, this album captures Williams’ evolution as a bandleader, composer, and visionary of contemporary jazz.
The project blends acoustic and electric jazz with soul, hip-hop, and R&B influences, revealing a modern sound deeply rooted in African American musical traditions. Produced by Chris Dunn and Ben Williams, the album’s central theme explores maturity—both artistic and personal—reflecting the social, cultural, and emotional experiences of a new generation.
Product Features
- Format: Audio CD (DDD Digital Recording)
- Genre: Jazz – Contemporary / Fusion / Soul Jazz
- Total Duration: Approx. 68 minutes
- Label: Concord Jazz, a division of Concord Music Group, Inc.
- Producers: Chris Dunn and Ben Williams
- Release Year: 2015
- Country of Manufacture: EU (Universal International Music BV, Baarn, Netherlands)
- Packaging: Jewel case with full-color booklet
Interesting Facts
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A New Voice in Modern Jazz: Winner of the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition, Ben Williams quickly rose to prominence as one of the defining voices of his generation. Coming of Age confirms his mastery of both upright and electric bass.
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Musical Collaborations: The album features guest appearances by Goapele, Christian Scott, Stefon Harris, and W. Ellington Felton, bringing together an ensemble that bridges the worlds of jazz, soul, and spoken word.
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Tribute and Innovation: Voice of Freedom (For Mandela) honors the legacy of Nelson Mandela through music that blends reflection and rhythmic vitality, while Smells Like Teen Spirit reimagines Nirvana’s grunge anthem with harmonic sophistication and jazz groove.
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Message and Identity: The album title, Coming of Age, represents not only Williams’ personal journey but also a generational statement of creativity, awareness, and resilience in modern jazz expression.
Track Listing
- Black Villain Music – 4:26
- Strength and Beauty – 5:25
- Half Steppin’ – 7:21
- Voice of Freedom (For Mandela) feat. Goapele – 4:44
- Toy Soldiers – 8:00
- Lost & Found feat. Christian Scott – 8:13
- Forecast – 8:15
- The Color of My Dreams feat. Stefon Harris – 8:07
- Smells Like Teen Spirit – 3:20
- Toy Soldiers (Reprise) feat. W. Ellington Felton – 2:42
- Coming of Age – 7:53
Publishers
© 2015 Concord Music Group, Inc., 100 N. Crescent Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Manufactured in the EU by Universal International Music BV, Baarn, Netherlands. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance, and broadcasting prohibited.
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Hashtags
#BenWilliams #ComingOfAge #ConcordJazz #ModernJazz #JazzFusion #SoulJazz #Goapele #ChristianScott #StefonHarris #WEllingtonFelton #ContemporaryBass #BassistComposer #JazzInnovation
