Product Description Ever since the success of her groundbreaking debut album SAXTRESS, Pamela Williams has toured the country with such artists as Prince, Patti Labell and Babyface, appeared at major Jazz Festivals and on television shows. On her latest effort, SWEET SAXATIONS, Williams again collaborations with producer Dave Mann (Nestor Torres), Kim Waters and Davy D (producer and remixer for Janet Jackson among others) to create eleven urban-flavored smooth Jazz classics. Review "(Williams') saxophone skills and creativity appear seamless." -- Sister 2 Sister Magazine"A multifaceted saxtress to watch!" -- Abyss Jazz"Sultry grooves that can rival Luther Vandross in the baby-making music department." -- Rolling Out Magazine"Williams certainly knows how to put a charge into a tune. Funky and smooth!" -- JazzTimes Magazine From the Artist Pamela Williams refuses to rest on her laurels when it comes to exploring and honing her artistic abilities. Already a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and painter, Pamela kicks it up a notch on her sophomore Shanachie effort, Sweet Saxations, taking turns at production, composition and drum programming. Williams’ soulful and sultry saxophone has been featured alongside such R&B icons as Patti Labelle, Prince, Baby Face, Brian McKnight and Teena Marie. Pamela co-wrote and produced the song "Honey Call" on Teena Marie’s newest CD La Dona. The stunning young musician has also starred in a variety of videos, including those of Barry White and Queen Latifah. With the release of Sweet Saxations Pamela Williams is poised to climb to the top of the charts with her alluring blend of R&B flavor, jazz chops, soulful saxophone licks and keen sense of ballad artistry. About the Artist In an industry that is dominated by men, Pamela Williams has managed to create a signature sound and style that has set her apart from the crowd and garnered her the respect that she has rightfully earned. Along with contemporary jazz’s fellow leading women Mindy Abair and Candy Dulfer, Pamela Williams is showing that there is a place for talented women to shine in the smooth jazz arena. "There still aren’t that many female saxophone players in contemporary jazz but the women are out doing it on the charts," says Williams. "You’re always having to prove yourself as a musician when you're a woman. I have done a lot of shows and performances on stage with the best, and I really don't think they would have hired me just because I happen to be a female. There is always a positive and negative side to everything but for me, being a woman in this industry has been positive." Hailing from Philadelphia (now a resident of California), Williams is steeped in the city's deep musical tradition. She reflects, "I was exposed to great jazz and R&B on the radio. There was TSOP (the Sounds of Philadelphia), which gave birth to Philadelphia International Records. I had a chance to listen to incredible composers and producers like Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, with their wonderfully orchestrated musical style." While in Philadelphia, Pamela Williams was also introduced to the music of smooth jazz pioneer Grover Washington, Jr. She recalls "Grover is the reason why I am playing the saxophone now. I remember one night after a gig getting a call from Grover. He told me that he had been paying attention to my career and was really proud of me. That call meant the world to me. I told him that I will forever pay homage to him. He invited me to sit in with him on a gig and that ended up landing me my first record deal. So that was the start of my solo career.! ..coincidence or fate?" Pamela Williams made her recording debut, Saxtress, in 1996, which found a home on the Billboard charts for five months. The album also earned her a nomination at the Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards. Her follow up recordings include Eight Days of Ecstacy and Evolution, followed by her 2003 Shanachie debut, The Perfect Love. Williams' credits include performing and/or recording with Patti Labelle, Teena Marie, Babyface, Chante Moore, Sheila E and Prince (with whom she participated in a rare studio session). "I have wanted to be a musician from a very early age," comments Pamela Williams. "Even when I have felt like giving up, I have been mysteriously drawn back to it and things just seem to fall into place. There is a divine order to everything that happens in our lives." Williams, who has been listening to a steady diet of Jill Scott, D'Angelo, Floetry, Miles Davis and Nina Simone these days, is also an accomplished visual artist. Much of her work is commissioned by individuals. Williams, who was an art major in college, says "I have been a visual artist longer than I've been a musician. I've worked in a couple of billboard studios in Hollywood which I enjoyed. It sustained me financially when music didn't. I guess I've been lucky. With art you have much more freedom than music. Music tends to change so rapidly that what you may want to express may not be the sound that's 'in.' But both music and art are about expressing who you are, and making other people feel what you're feeling in the process." Pamela Williams has a philosophy that is sure to keep her music fresh. "I believe that all of life is an adventure. It's about having fun and living your dreams no matter what they are. It's also about helping people on their journey and treating them the way you expect to be treated. Because what you put out there really does come back to you." See more