Based out of New York City, trumpeter Eddie Williams turned in many a soulful performance on nearly two dozen albums of mainstream jazz recorded between the mid-'50s and early '80s. Although not as well known as certain brassmen in soul-jazz and hard bop such as Donald Byrd and Lee Morgan, Williams nonetheless is a presence on certain classic sides in these styles. High points of the Williams recording legacy include a pair of alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson's finest achievements, the appetizing Hot Dog and the humble Everything I Play Is Funky, both released in the decidedly funky year of 1969. More recently, Williams took part in the early-'90s comeback album of soul singer Solomon Burke and also figures prominently in a series of funky compilations, the Blue Break Beats series. The trumpeter also played in Broadway pit bands. ~ Eugene Chadbourne