Welcome to the Official AL WILLIAMS III Website!

Multi-reed player Al Williams III has earned rave reviews from critics and audiences alike for his graceful and melodic style on tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, in addition to alto and C flutes. JAZZTIMES has noted the “poetic beauty” of his saxophone solos. Dividing his time among his contemporary jazz band Al Williams and Friends, his jazz trio and session work, Al is one of the most highly regarded musicians in the Washington, DC Area.

A native of Philadelphia, Al has toured and recorded five albums with Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaria and appears on Mongo’s Grammy Award winning album “Amanacer.” Al then joined high school and college buddies as an original member of Stanley Clarke’s School Days Band, recording three groundbreaking albums, “Modern Man,” “I Want to Play for You,” and “Stanley Clarke Live, '76, '77.”

Career highlights include making a movie soundtrack with guitarist Nils Lofgren and recording a one-hour concert on BET as a member of guitarist Grant Geisman’s band. Al has appeared at many jazz festivals around the world, most recently the International Jazz Festival in Fez, Morocco, and The Jazz Jam in Nashville, TN.

Al has three recordings under his own name, Never Too Late (1997), See for Yourself (2003), and his brand new release, Heart Song (2008). Heart Song, produced by the talented composer/singer John Stoddart, features the depth and grace of Al’s sax and flute playing, some amazing guest vocal cuts, and a who’s who of today’s players. On what Al feels is his best effort and most radio friendly recording to date, Heart Song is one killer CD from start to finish.