Roots of American Music

Saxophonist and flutist Rob Williams got his start playing in jazz and rock bands in his native California. Well-versed in many styles, Williams joined the band Irie, which specialized in various styles of island music, including calypso, soca, ska, and reggae. Williams moved to Cleveland with the reggae band First Light. Ten years ago, he formed his own band, the Afro-Cleveland Orchestra. The band’s repertoire is an eclectic mix of many styles. Its members are all top level Cleveland jazz, blues, funk, rock, and salsa musicians. Williams’ arranging techniques shine in his ability to create new versions of standard tunes by subtle reworking of melody, harmony, and instrumentation. In addition to the ACO, Williams has performed and recorded with the Swing Lizards, a rock/jump swing band, and with the Mike Petrone Quartet. He can be heard on Petrone’s CDs as well as two movie soundtracks. Williams is also a member of the Jazz Alive Quartet, an educational performance group sponsored by Young Audiences of Greater Cleveland. He teaches private instruction at the Fairmount School of Music.