Exclusive Interview with Lori Williams

Lori Williams is a remarkable jazz vocalist and songwriter, celebrated for her captivating and soulful voice. Her music seamlessly weaves together jazz, soul, and gospel influences, creating a sound that's both timeless and contemporary. With a career spanning over three decades, Lori has collaborated with jazz legends and left an indelible mark on the jazz scene. Today, we have the pleasure of chatting with her about her incredible journey and exciting future projects. Welcome, Lori!

Actual Jazz: Your music is often described as a beautiful blend of jazz, soul, and gospel. Can you share what draws you to these genres and how they influence your unique sound?

Lori Williams: Thank you, Leonardo, for having me.
My upbringing has a lot to do with my style of music. My late parents were Christians and heavily involved in the church. I started singing at the age of three in the children's choir. My parents were born and raised in Louisiana—the birthplace of jazz—and the sound of our heritage and culture was embedded in me and my siblings from an early age.

AJ: Throughout your career, you've had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned jazz musicians. Could you tell us about a particularly memorable collaboration and what you learned from it?

LW: I've been blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities in my career. I think one of the most exciting moments was when I was touring Russia and discovered that I would be sharing the stage with Stanley Jordan. He is an incredible talent but more importantly, a beautiful human being. I learned a lot from all of my experiences; but the dominant lesson is to always treat everyone you meet with kindness, respect and dignity. The celebrated jazz musicians understand the importance of service through their music and it shows in the way they interact with their band members, stage crew, promoters, audience members, etc.

AJ: Your albums "Behind the Smiles" and "Out of the Box" received critical acclaim for their musicality and emotional depth. Can you share the inspiration behind these albums and what message you aimed to convey through them?

LW: I have six independent CDs and two singles. And I'm so happy that my music has touched the listeners. When I began as a solo artist with "Healing Within" in 2010, my performance goals were very different than they are today. When writing songs, I use personal experiences and occurrences in life that people can relate to. I want to always try to share a message of hope and positivity through my music. It is my hope to continue to spread good musical vibes internationally.

AJ: You started your music career singing in church. How has your gospel background continued to shape your music and performance style today?

LW: I believe that my faith in GOD is very important in anything I do—and that includes music. The spiritual foundation that my parents taught us laid the groundwork for how we interact with others and how we live. The gospel element provides the soulful essence to my music that connects with the listeners. The lyrical content is also important in telling relatable and uplifting stories.

AJ: As an accomplished music educator, what do you find most rewarding about mentoring young talents and sharing your knowledge with the next generation of musicians?

LW: The reward is in seeing the success of my former students like Ari Lennox, Nick Hakim., or Tom White. My former students were and still are like family to me. So when I taught them, it wasn't just for the classroom. I wanted my diverse group of students to find a common love in music and work together...to find their voices. Now I am able to teach voice privately and work with students of all ages. The rewards are still there when they discover the gift of music within themselves. 

AJ: Your annual vocal jazz tour has taken you to various parts of the world. Is there a particular performance or destination that holds a special place in your heart, and why?

LW: I always enjoy traveling to Poysdorf, Austria because the people there have become very close friends. The musicianship from the band is first rate I've been able to tour in some incredible places and hope to add new destinations on my list.

AJ: You host a weekly radio program focusing on women in jazz. Can you tell us about the importance of promoting women's contributions to the jazz genre?

LW: I enjoy being the radio host for my show "Collector's Choice with Lori Williams" on JazzRadioWETF.org. Women in jazz is one of the highlights in my show. I also spotlight international artists and new performers to the jazz scene. It is very important in promoting women's contributions in order to preserve history and the jazz legacy. Women musicians are sometimes overlooked—especially in the music business world, and I want to celebrate all of us for the impacts we have made and continue to make in the jazz industry.

AJ: Your dedication to preserving jazz traditions is evident in your work. How do you see the future of jazz evolving, and what role do you hope to play in its continued growth?

LW: I hope to continue to be a part of the jazz evolution as I get older. The song says, "Everything must change", and I believe that with new subgenres and new artists sharing their creative expressions in this artform, jazz will continue to be heard and received around the world. I would like to continue learning and developing as a performer as well.

AJ: Your journey in music has been filled with accolades and honors. Can you share a moment in your career that you consider a personal highlight or a turning point?

LW: Receiving a congratulatory letter from President Joseph Biden (then Vice President) was a personal highlight. Yes, I'm abundantly grateful to have been recognized and awarded throughout my career.

AJ: Your versatility as an artist is impressive, from singing to songwriting and producing. What aspect of your multifaceted career do you find most fulfilling, and why?

LW: This is hard to say because each component has its own sense of gratification. I would say that singing is tops because I am able to communicate directly with the audience.

AJ: Your vibrant and dynamic stage presence is well-known. What advice would you give to aspiring performers on how to connect with their audiences and create memorable live experiences?

LW: The advice I would give on connectivity with your audience is authenticity. I believe you have to come to every musical experience with the intention of giving your best and being of service to those in the audience. You have to do this sincerely and with an open heart and mind.

AJ: In your role as an artist-in-residence, you've worked with students on college campuses. What do you hope these young musicians take away from their time with you?

LW: I hope my life experiences and teaching roles will inspire these students to dream and believe that they can impact their peers—and one day their own students. I want to motivate students to explore their talents and envision themselves in positions and environments where they can excel using their musical gifts.

AJ: You're also a business owner with PositiveMusicPM.org. Could you tell us about the mission and vision behind your organization and the impact it has had?

LW: Positive Music for Positive Minds is a 501(c)(3) mentoring workshop and concert performance organization teaching students about the essence of lyrical content with a primary focus on jazz and popular contemporary genres. I started this organization when I was teaching in Washington, DC. I was commissioned by The Wolf Trap Foundation to present a series of workshops and culminating performances with my students. PositiveMusicPM.org

AJ: Many notable artists have recognized your talent and collaborated with you. Is there a dream collaboration you'd still love to pursue in the future?

LW: I would love to collaborate with Dianne Reeves one day.

AJ: Looking ahead, can you give us a glimpse into any upcoming projects or new music you're working on that your fans can look forward to?

LW: My single "Take My Wings" releases on October 16, 2023.

"This song is an uplifting song of faith and unconditional love, showcasing Lori's seamless vocal prowess, and relatable and uplifting lyrical writing skills. Charting at #1 on the UK Soul Chart Breakers, a noteworthy accomplishment for a vocalist, "Take My Wings" is a timeless message of strength and faith while overcoming adversity and rising above fear." - Newswire.com

I am also scheduled to tour Europe in 2024 and perform across the United States at music festivals and performance venues.
I hope your audience will stay connected with me on LoriJazz.com and on all forms of social media to find out about upcoming shows.

AJ: Thank you, Lori, for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. We're excited to see where your music takes you next!

LW: Thank you so much for the opportunity to chat with you. 

Lori Williams
Recording Artist / Vocal Music Educator
LoriJazz.com / PositiveMusicPM.org

Host / Producer - Sunday Jazz Lounge, St. James Live! Atlanta
Radio Announcer - JazzRadioWETF.org
“Words are powerful. Speak wisely.” - LoriJazz®
Listen to / Download Lori Williams' music on all streaming sites.