Garey Williams (1962 - 2021)

Garey Williams taught drumming to students of all ages for over 30 years. As a professional drummer, he had been a 1st call session player in the Pacific Northwest for both live gigs and recording sessions.

Notable musicians he had played with include Diana Krall, Kritin Korb, Bud Shank, Barney McClure, Howard Roberts, Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Clay Jenkins, Inger Jensen, Eddie Daniels, Bob Hammer, Greta Metassa, Johnny Conga, Michael Powers, Darren Motamody, Geoffrey Caastle, The Jim Cutler jazz Orchestra, The Police, The Full Circle Jazz Ensemble, the Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra as well as many other stars of the local scene. As a member of the jazz fusion trio Ecstasy in Numbers, Garey has been reviewed in Modern Drummer, Rhythm Magazine, Percussive Notes, and numerous regional and local newspapers.

Besides teaching and performing, Garey is the author of several method books, including The High-Hat Foot, Drummer’s Guide to Big Band and The Ride Hand, published by WizDom Media, and distribution through Alfred Music and Hudson Music.

Reviews

“Playing in a big band is one of the most complex and nuanced jobs that a drummer can face. Garey Williams’ new book The Drummer’s Guide to Big Band sets out a highly-organized game plan for tackling the demands of the big band drum chair. In addition to a thorough explanation of charts, grooves, song forms, set ups and other figures, the book includes a multimedia disc with both video and audio examples. Great stuff. I look forward to using this book with my own students!”

Daniel Glass (Royal Crown Revue, Brian Setzer, author of The Century Project, The Roots of Rock Drumming, and The Commandments of Early R&B Drumming)

“I’ve listened to a lot of drummers and you have something few drummers have. You hear the subtleties in music. You sound great!”

Jeff Hamilton (Jeff Hamilton Trio, Ray Brown, Oscar Peterson, Diana Krall, Ella Fitzgerald)

“This book, along with the accompanying tracks, videos, and charts, provides a concise, informative and fun introduction to the world of big band drumming.”

Tommy Igoe (Birdland Big Band, Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy, author of Groove Essentials series)

“Garey has put together a wealth of great material in a very effective, logical manner.
His practice tips, musical philosophies, and performance suggestions are right on the money.
The play-along tracks are fresh and musical with Garey really getting “inside” the music. This will help many aspiring players for years to come. Congratulations!”
-Steve Houghton (Professor of Jazz and Percussion – Indiana University, PAS Past President)

Steve Houghton (Professor of Jazz and Percussion – Indiana University, PAS Past President)