Garey Williams is a performing artist with unique abilities as a drummer and percussionist. With over twenty years of playing experience, Garey has performed as a solo percussionist, with chamber percussion groups, has been a guest soloist, clinician, adjudicator, recorded for radio and television and has appeared in concert with many local, regional and internationally known musicians such as: Diana Krall, Kristin Korb, Bud Shank, Barney McClure, Howard Roberts, Joe Williams, Clay Jenkins and Dizzy Gillespie.



Born in Lawrence, Kansas, eventually settling in the Northwest, Garey Williams began playing drums at age twelve which led to numerous professional engagements while still in his teens. He continued to study music throughout his school years, which led him to earn both a Bachelor and Masters degree in Percussion Performance and Jazz Studies at Central Washington University.



Garey Williams has over twenty years of teaching experience which includes private lessons, group classes and clinics at public schools, drum schools, jazz camps, percussion festivals, music stores, drum shops and teaching classes at Central Washington University, Yakima Valley Community College and Olympic College.



Garey Williams has released a wealth of teaching materials under his own publishing company, Drumset Artistry. He has available: two educational videos; Developing a Solo Vocabulary, Rudiments Applied to the Drumset, two method books, Contemporary Druming Essentials Volume One, Contemporary Drumming Essentials Volume Two and an educational CD. He has been published and/or reviewed in Rhythm Magazine, Modern Drummer, Percussive Notes, Fuse Magazine, Band World and a number of local and regional newspapers.



Currently, Garey Williams is doing various freelance recording and performing projects, has released two solo CDs with his instrumental group, Ecstasy in Numbers and is conducting clinics for Vic Firth sticks/mallets, Sabian cymbals, Yamaha drums, HQ Percussion Products, Remo drumheads and Protechtor cases. About his recording experience Garey tells:

"I have over twenty five years playing experience in numerous bands, collegiate ensembles, professional groups as a sideman and band leader. I have twenty years of studio recording experience playing in multiple genres. I can read percussion music, master rhythm charts, drum charts, chord charts, bass charts, Nashville charts, etc., in any style. In addition to ensemble playing I am a highly experienced improviser in jazz, commercial and Latin styles. "

In addition to music, Garey enjoys gardening, reading, cooking and the small town family life with his wife and children.

"To experience that 'zone' of a big groove with each musician blending and interacting in synchronism,...that's what art is,...that's where living is."

What others have said about Garey:



"Garey Williams displays a beautiful touch and emotion in his drumming. He performs with a strong technique and a keen sense of what to play in a studio situation to achieve the correct balance within a jazz/rock trio setting. His drums sound fat, wet, and well recorded. His cymbal work is very expressive...possesses noteworthy chops..."

- Modern Drummer



"Garey Williams sounds like a combination of Vinnie Colaiuta and Peter Erskine through his careful attention to the orchestration of each section of the tune. His relaxed, flowing style suits the music, yet he is always pushing the other players to new heights. "

- Percussive Notes



"It's great to experience your great talent. Your technique is terrific..you're extraordinary..really, really absolutely terrific...you're playing is sensational"

- Jim Chapin



"I've just listened to your CD [The Search] and you sound great in the trio, congrats.

- John Riley



"Drummer, Garey Williams, is an energetic and complex player, as a threesome, his polyrhythmic inventions, fills, and disciplined approach to time signatures, gives added dimension to EIN's music. Certain songs demand exacted and difficult cadences, with many odd times, and rapid fire staccato snippets, he delivers these with the mark of a pro..."

- Prognosis Web



"I think you gave a very good clinic and got your points across well. Most of all... your playing was wonderful and I was really digging it!!"

- Gregg Bissonette



"Garey Williams plays with an attentive spark much the way Chad Wackerman did with Allan Holdsworth"

- Rhythm Magazine



"I listened to the CD. I am very impressed with everything! You're playing was first class - creative, musical and inspired. This is 'Art'... and this is a wonderful contribution to the music industry. It sets a high standard and a clear vision of what to strive for!"

- Dom Famularo