Gary Williams

Album launch in Japan

After a chance meeting in Los Angeles last October, this month sees the launch of the first Gary Williams album in Japan and plans are being made for a Japanese tour in 2012.

After leaving the stage for the Los Angeles Jazz Institute’s concert with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Gary was approached by producer and head of SSJ records Yasuo Sangu. He was impressed: “There are many singers influenced by Sinatra, but Gary has his own sound and style. It was a thrilling performance leaving the audience on its feet shouting for more”. And Mr Sangu should know, having worked with some of the greats, including Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.

The Japanese packaging for "Gary Williams Meet Frank Sinatra"

Interest grew when two of Gary’s albums were featured in an article “My Best Jazz Album 2010” by Ruriko Shiozawa for Japan’s top jazz magazine: “Jazz Hihyo”. And now, “Gary Williams Meets Frank Sinatra” will soon be hitting records stores throughout Japan.

Gary’s certainly in good company. SSJ Records boasts an impressive catalogue of over 100 artistes, including Bobby Darin, Rosemary Clooney and Vic Damone.

Thrilled at the prospect of touring Japan, Gary couldn’t be happier: “I know the Japanese have always enjoyed the Great American Songbook and I can’t wait to meet the people and work with the musicians over there.”

Fans in the UK can find “Gary Williams Meets Frank Sinatra” here.

Here are the links for Japan: HMV, Sinatra Society Japan, Catfish Records.