James Williams discusses the influence of Art Blakey on his work

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James Williams on Wynton Marsalis

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James Williams talks about recording with Concord

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Q: “You were with the band [Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers] when Wynton Marsalis came aboard?”

A: “I introduced Winton to Art Blakey. As a matter of fact, up in a club in New York called McKells and we went down to the dressing room. You know, I told him, "So why don't you come play?" He said, "You think I could?" I said, "Well, we could find out." I took him downstairs and told Art. I said "Art, this is a trumpet player. This is Ellis Marsalis' son.” I said “You think it would be alright if he sit in on the last set?" He said, "Well, James, it's up to you. You guys are the stars of the band. If you think it's okay, go ahead." I said, "Well, yeah. Okay, so ..." He said, "Well look, I don't have my horn, but I only live six blocks from here." So he raced back, got his trumpet, came and sat in with the band. He didn't know any tunes. He had a real, bright ... you definitely could tell he had been playing European classics because his trumpet sound were very bright and you'd know, but you could hear, you know, that he definitely had, you know, some good potential and everything and I went to work with him a lot. I said, "Look, you've got to learn some music." He said, well, if he could come out here and play with Art Blakey. Oh, he would not have any concept of what's going on, so...”