A jazz veteran will bring a new musical experience to Williams this weekend.
Bill Goodwin began his career at age 17. Ever since then, he has been taking gigs and playing with jazz greats. He’s now the artist-in-residence at Lafayette College and this Saturday at 8 p.m., the Grammy award-winning drummer will be performing at the Williams Center for the Arts.
Goodwin will be playing alongside the other members of his band, known as The Bill Goodwin Experience. The band consists of Goodwin on drums, guitarist Bill Washer, bassist Tony Marino, saxophonist Adam Niewood and Kirk Knuffke on the coronet.
A professional drummer since 1959, Goodwin has played across the United States and the world. He has played alongside jazz stars like Tony Bennett, Charles Loyd and Bill Evans. His longest gig was with the Phil Woods Quartet, of which he is a founding member. Woods passed away in September.
Goodwin began his interest in the drums after familiarizing himself with the movie soundtrack from “The Man with the Golden Arm.” First trained on piano and the saxophone, he had to teach himself how to play the drums. Goodwin used his father’s extensive and diverse record collection to hear and learn songs.
The Bill Goodwin Experience will play a selection of music from well-known jazz composers Saturday night. Tickets are free for students, $5 for faculty and staff and $21 for general admission.