The Official Site For The Cole Williams Band: Freedom Music Collective

Freedom music collective2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Performer

About

Described by HuffPost as having “the heart of Bob Marley, soul of Sam Cooke and grit of Etta James”, The Cole Williams Band (CWB) is a message-filled collective founded by Lead Singer/Producer/WWOZ host/Activist, Cole Williams’ in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY.As Williams leads on vocals, piano, and percussion, The Cole Williams Band’s sound stays rooted in the tradition of Niina Simone and Gil Scott-Heron, creating songs that reflect the everyday experiences and hopes of poor people around the world. Their song, “Give Power to the People '' is “a sharp soul-jazz jam, overflowing with heart and conscience” and an anthem for Houseless and poor people struggling to make sense of this pivotal and hopeful moment.The CWB has opened for India. Arie, Lauryn Hill, Emily King, and Ozomatli among others. With performances at iconic venues such as The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Joshua Tree Music Festival, French Quarter Festival, Blue Note, Maple Leaf Bar, Ooh Poo Pah Doo Bar, BAM Cafe, C’mon Everybody, World Cafe Live, House Of Blues and The Mint L.A.
Melding all the colors of soul, gospel, R&B, reggae, and blues, the bedrock of The Cole Williams Band’s music continues to be inspired by Civil Rights veterans Ella Baker and Curtis Muhammad.