News
09/29/2025
William's China Report
I was asked to play at a festival in China. This was a big surprise. I chose to go with John king after figuring out - this is not a hoax from a friend. after finding out that this was real - I gave them figures and specifics and there were no arguments.
I arrived and with no hesitation I was welcomed and paid up front - that took that problem away.
the subsequent welcome was extraordinary it was inviting. the folks were warm and there was a welcoming dinner. I enjoyed it so much, the conversation and human interaction was just what was needed. it broke barriers. time to sleep... the next day was great. The sound was extraordinary because the venue was ready for anything and I felt like a true "artist" in control of the presentation / self and the facilitators .while a great welcome was begun (have to listen to the temptations treat her like a lady) I felt the depth of the Chinese people they're asking me deep questions I have to send them the concert of last night anyway ...I regress the temperature in the city was superb, the people were ready for my presentation, the sound check went extraordinarily well. they listened to me and John and they were with this music. I saw the sound ! the drums were perfect that is all I need. I ordered a sound check - a guitar - now drums , done.
then back to the hotel and a deep sleep.
Now the concert, we arrived just after the first set finished and I am totally ready. this place is packed. LIT ... I initially wanted an intro song but that did not happen - I wanted to bring the feeling of my home to China because they are inherently a soulful people. I felt this - the music kicked off and I was in the zone !!! undeniably loving this and my opportunity to give this to these people so far away yet so near.
I proceeded I was given to Lowi then Renew - these were my contacts and turned out to be great friends. happy and ready to go, they were assigned to be the babysitters (lol). going over - was very interesting because of the passport visa questions, these folks are very conscious in their scrutiny I went on and was assigned great seats on Cathay Pacific and prepared myself for a long flight complete with socks and then an exercise regimen.
Next it was time to rehearse for this. I intended to rock it. I rehearsed with John King - what would turn out to be a complete set / lasting me an hour or so - it included 3 improvisational sections, 2 solo sections and an ending - if they wanted more, I could create it. I had no idea what John's experience with this was. I looked forward to it then after a few days of writing I got the passport straight and proceeded to book the plane this was no problem. time to depart /got an Uber and off to the plane . looks good so far. there's a little question (at customs) of who I am and my reason to go there but after an hour they figured it out ,so I went off to the main city and my sponsors. whoa ... thank God.
I arrived and with no hesitation I was welcomed and paid up front - that took that problem away.
the subsequent welcome was extraordinary it was inviting. the folks were warm and there was a welcoming dinner. I enjoyed it so much, the conversation and human interaction was just what was needed. it broke barriers. time to sleep... the next day was great. The sound was extraordinary because the venue was ready for anything and I felt like a true "artist" in control of the presentation / self and the facilitators .while a great welcome was begun (have to listen to the temptations treat her like a lady) I felt the depth of the Chinese people they're asking me deep questions I have to send them the concert of last night anyway ...I regress the temperature in the city was superb, the people were ready for my presentation, the sound check went extraordinarily well. they listened to me and John and they were with this music. I saw the sound ! the drums were perfect that is all I need. I ordered a sound check - a guitar - now drums , done.
then back to the hotel and a deep sleep.
Now the concert, we arrived just after the first set finished and I am totally ready. this place is packed. LIT ... I initially wanted an intro song but that did not happen - I wanted to bring the feeling of my home to China because they are inherently a soulful people. I felt this - the music kicked off and I was in the zone !!! undeniably loving this and my opportunity to give this to these people so far away yet so near.
And now for the photos.
11/16/2023
Here’s a review that came in this morning, too: http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=16696&fbclid=IwAR3sNUBPOQ6FUj3T4WDC2c6alqEosZhk2k3L4WA9WbjJuTQPJjGuU92T1fU
Here’s a review that came in this morning, too: http://www.
11/26/2018
In The Trove is now live and available...Check this out...It is a really cool article....and please share it with your friends.
There are three ways of access; choose whichever you prefer for your networks.
1. To go to the site and see your image fill the screen first, go to http://inthetrove.com
2. To go to the intro page: http://bit.ly/THETROVEWmHookerIntro
3. To go directly to the article: http://bit.ly/THETROVEWilliamHooker
Thanks...W.
05/04/2018
MAY 2018 | THE NEW YORK CITY JAZZ RECORD
The vision of drummer William Hooker artfully extended beyond Roulette’s fourth wall (Apr. 5th), conjuring jazz’ socio-political foundation. With the multimedia piece “The Great Migration”, he traced the northward path of African Americans and, through pre-recorded interviews, the lives of elders Nannie Lampkin and Alton Brooks, both present in the audience. The stories were intertwined with powerful music, mostly live but also via early recordings of spirituals and a haunting chain-gang song. Hooker’s band of Ras Moshe (tenor saxophone), Eriq Robinson (electronics), Mara Rosenbloom (piano), William Parker (bass), David Soldier (violin, banjo) and Ava Mendoza (guitar) shook the house with searing improvisations, painting an aural manifesto of the Black experience. Moshe played with compelling passion, Mendoza’s features were gripping and Robinson’s electronics tore up the soundscape. The leader’s melodies guided the action, particularly a blues hook prominent in the bass, often varied fluidly by the others. The music, emotively directed by Hooker, recalled the rural south sans any trace of parody (Soldier’s fiddle was exceptional but his banjo needed stronger amplification) while other sections were ethereal and expansive. Dancer Goussy Celestin’s majestic segments flanked the production and she, Jeremy Grosvenor and Hooker also acted as narrators. So vital is this epic work, right now, that a lack of future productions would be criminal. —John Pietar
04/03/2018
The interview with Joyce Jones on "Suga in my Bowl" (WBAI-FM) is now on the website for your listening pleasure - visit us !
The interview with Joyce Jones on "Suga in my Bowl" (WBAI-FM) is now on the website for your listening pleasure - visit us !
williamhooker.com
11/28/2017
Rhizome , DC
William Hooker - For the dreamers(live at Rhizome) - 9/10/17
11/07/2017
The William Hooker Duo featuring Michael Malis
The William Hooker Duo featuring Michael Malis
Edgefest Music Festival - Ann Arbor, MI , October, 2017
Review from
All About Jazz
"the indomitable William Hooker for a jaw-dropping display of improvisational power. Hooker seemed to invite the audience into the performance by walking down the aisle and shaking hands with those he could reach while on his way to the stage, in a sign that something extraordinary was about to happen. Then, using a John Lomax field recording of an Alabama prison work song as a catalyst, he and Malis launched into a number of freewheeling improvisations that harnessed the emotional power of the recording while simultaneously redirecting it. Shouting "Let's Not Forget!" repeatedly at the outset, it was clear that Hooker had weighty matters on his mind—and he played like it, with periodic outbursts and exclamations to spur Malis and himself to greater heights. With a fusillade of intensity, Hooker seemed at times to push his kit to the limits, with Malis matching his vigor with each strike of the toms. Malis has a strong classical sensibility behind much of his playing, but his more untethered statements revealed a barely-controlled fury; combined with Hooker's impassioned and relentless attacks, the result was one of the festival's most riveting and overpowering performances."
10/06/2017
The Brain Wave Project is now out on Mulatta Records.....2017
The Brain Wave Project is now out on Mulatta Records.....2017
06/12/2017
The William Hooker Trio performing "At-One-Ment" at The Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage (Washington, DC) featuring Dave Ross and Eriq Robinson.
http://www.kennedy-center.org
The William Hooker Trio performing "At-One-Ment" at The Kennedy Center's Millenium Stage (Washington, DC) featuring Dave Ross and Eriq Robinson.
http://www.kennedy-center.org
05/29/2017
Video -
Video -
https://vimeo.com/92055502
the brain wave project (live) w/dave soldier
04/04/2017
Check it out
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/il-meglio-del-2016-secondo-by-giuseppe-segala.php#.WOO2BNYXA6w.email
Check it out
https://www.allaboutjazz.com/
William Hooker - "LIGHT" is one of the best of 2016 - coming from an Italian jazz lover....and All About Jazz .
03/11/2017
Evidence, a multi-media tribute to James Baldwin, by William Hooker
With EVIDENCE; the Baldwin Suite, William Hooker pays homage to the multifaceted James Baldwin during his year. Conceived by drummer William Hooker, Evidence is a stirring multimedia tribute to the ferociously daring novelist and social critic, James Baldwin. Featuring the talents of Mr. Hooker and his quintet of world-class improvisers and dancers (Tor Snyder, Jesse Henry, Matt Lavelle), rapper AKU STYX, and dancer-choreographer Juan Michael Porter (with Jinah Parker) this hour long work celebrates Baldwin's great works and adherence to his number one conviction: speaking truth to power, regardless of how painful. An informal conversation with the audience and performers will follow the performance.
Artistic Statement:
Jazz by it's very nature is improvisational. Usually based on seeds of compositions and the musical skills and interactions of the musicians present. My performances are conceptual and orchestrated, interweaving different musical elements (compositions) with poetry, dance, rap and film. Bringing this philosophy to the new project will enhance the understanding of the subject.
'The Year of Baldwin' is especially important because many remain unaware of what Baldwin accomplished in 'bearing witness' to a particularly turbulent time in this country's history. This project is a needed step in the direction of educating many to Baldwin's philosophy and meaning (to society and art). Truly ahead of his time, much of what Baldwin spoke presaged today’s hyper politicized reality with an acuity that borders on the supernatural. EVIDENCE serves not only as a reminder of what Baldwin knew to be true but for what he saw as the path to transcendence: self acceptance. It has been suggested that this work should be presented in theaters in the Northeast as well as junior and high school students to get further visibility under the umbrella of the city of NY. An expanded version of this work will include a story-form using Abby London Crawford, who's husband was a friend of Mr. Baldwin. Her first person knowledge will enhance the authenticity of the project to make the narrative complete. Jazz by its very nature is improvisational. Usually based on seeds of compositions and the musical skills and interactions of the musicians present. My performances are conceptual and orchestrated, interweaving different musical elements (compositions) with poetry, dance, rap and film.
Commissioned by Harvestworks with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts
Testimonials:
William Hooker's James Baldwin Suite
William Hooker is a potent force of nature. His Baldwin Suite performance touched me deeply and encouraged me to continue to develop in my own potential of artistic expression and to continue to create art that encourages social change and awareness.
With every beat of the drum Mr. Hooker’s passion and fire went right through me and ignited me to the core. I was deeply touched by the ability of the accompanying musicians to express these same energies and emotions through sound. The combination of listening to Baldwin's writing together with dance and movement infused me with frustration and anger. I was lead to tears by the intensity of the performance. I felt the social injustice that has been perpetrated against African Americans, homosexuals and women. I felt abused, exploited and most of all inspired to join this ongoing revolution.
William Hooker's ability to be private in public or naked in public is exceptional. He manages to touch every soul in the audience with his heartfelt playing, as he opens the door of empathy and transcends us into his world. It's almost as if we are inside of his drum.
Videos:
Evidence, a multi-media tribute to James Baldwin, by William Hooker
With EVIDENCE; the Baldwin Suite, William Hooker pays homage to the multifaceted James Baldwin during his year. Conceived by drummer William Hooker, Evidence is a stirring multimedia tribute to the ferociously daring novelist and social critic, James Baldwin. Featuring the talents of Mr. Hooker and his quintet of world-class improvisers and dancers (Tor Snyder, Jesse Henry, Matt Lavelle), rapper AKU STYX, and dancer-choreographer Juan Michael Porter (with Jinah Parker) this hour long work celebrates Baldwin's great works and adherence to his number one conviction: speaking truth to power, regardless of how painful. An informal conversation with the audience and performers will follow the performance.
Artistic Statement:
Jazz by it's very nature is improvisational. Usually based on seeds of compositions and the musical skills and interactions of the musicians present. My performances are conceptual and orchestrated, interweaving different musical elements (compositions) with poetry, dance, rap and film. Bringing this philosophy to the new project will enhance the understanding of the subject.
'The Year of Baldwin' is especially important because many remain unaware of what Baldwin accomplished in 'bearing witness' to a particularly turbulent time in this country's history. This project is a needed step in the direction of educating many to Baldwin's philosophy and meaning (to society and art). Truly ahead of his time, much of what Baldwin spoke presaged today’s hyper politicized reality with an acuity that borders on the supernatural. EVIDENCE serves not only as a reminder of what Baldwin knew to be true but for what he saw as the path to transcendence: self acceptance. It has been suggested that this work should be presented in theaters in the Northeast as well as junior and high school students to get further visibility under the umbrella of the city of NY. An expanded version of this work will include a story-form using Abby London Crawford, who's husband was a friend of Mr. Baldwin. Her first person knowledge will enhance the authenticity of the project to make the narrative complete. Jazz by its very nature is improvisational. Usually based on seeds of compositions and the musical skills and interactions of the musicians present. My performances are conceptual and orchestrated, interweaving different musical elements (compositions) with poetry, dance, rap and film.
Commissioned by Harvestworks with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts
Testimonials:
William Hooker's James Baldwin Suite
William Hooker is a potent force of nature. His Baldwin Suite performance touched me deeply and encouraged me to continue to develop in my own potential of artistic expression and to continue to create art that encourages social change and awareness.
With every beat of the drum Mr. Hooker’s passion and fire went right through me and ignited me to the core. I was deeply touched by the ability of the accompanying musicians to express these same energies and emotions through sound. The combination of listening to Baldwin's writing together with dance and movement infused me with frustration and anger. I was lead to tears by the intensity of the performance. I felt the social injustice that has been perpetrated against African Americans, homosexuals and women. I felt abused, exploited and most of all inspired to join this ongoing revolution.
William Hooker's ability to be private in public or naked in public is exceptional. He manages to touch every soul in the audience with his heartfelt playing, as he opens the door of empathy and transcends us into his world. It's almost as if we are inside of his drum.
Videos:
02/28/2017
Musician William Hooker presents a music and spoken word performance at the Kennedy Center, Washington, DC, titled “At-One-Ment,” featuring guitarist Dave Ross, trumpeter Eriq Robinson, and drummer and spoken word performer William Hooker.
02/24/2017
William Hooker – Aria: The Italy Project
"Drummer William Hooker is a human avalanche of a player who’s been around since the New York loft jazz scene of the early 1970s, and who’s collaborated with figures from across the musical spectrum. David S. Ware and David Murray were guests on his early albums, and in the 1990s he recorded and performed (separately) with Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth. His latest album is an ambitious project that features Welf Dorr, Richard Keene, and Louie Belogenis on reeds, Mark Hennen on piano, On Davis on guitar, and David Soldier (of the Soldier String Quartet) on violin and guitar. The music combines segments of wild, theatrical improvisation with compositions that draw upon Italian folk music (Hooker’s wife is Italian) but take it into unexpected and wholly new realms. In addition to drumming, Hooker declaims poetry. This isn’t jazz, exactly; it’s an entirely unique blend of art song, modern composition, and improvised awesomeness."Burning Ambulance
Stream “Impro II”:
01/16/2017
Dave Ross - guitar
Louie Belogenis - tenor & soprano saxophone
William Hooker - drums
Dave Ross - guitar
Louie Belogenis - tenor & soprano saxophone
William Hooker - drums
12/02/2016
Hi!
I’m pleased to announce the release of “Aria (The Italian Project)” on the Mulatta label.
A studio recording juxtaposing free improvisations with my interpretations of Italian folk music.
Personnel for this work - Mark Hennen, Welf Dorr, On Davis, Louie Belogenis, Richard Keene, David Soldier, William Hooker
Recorded in NYC at NYU studios (2016) .
07/20/2016
Hi!
Hi!
Thanks to WKCR for supporting my work on the radio
Here is the info for an interview in the past....the latest one will be posted soon.
07/20/2016
The William Hooker Duo featuring Damon Smith - entitled "Triangles of Force"
The William Hooker Duo featuring Damon Smith - entitled "Triangles of Force"
on Balance Point Acoustics is out now.
This was a duo that happened in Oakland...with an Oscar Micheaux film Symbol of the Unconquered..
Check it out!!
05/05/2016
I am in AM/NY..
Enjoy
It's out today! Here's the link to the story online:AM/NY Article about Hell's Kitchen
I am in AM/NY..
Enjoy
It's out today! Here's the link to the story online:AM/NY Article about Hell's Kitchen
02/26/2016
"I think of Micheaux as the Black Pioneer of American film — not just because he was a black man, or because in his youth he pioneered the American West, or because he was the greatest figure in "race" movies and an unjustly ignored force in early American cinema. Micheaux is America's Black Pioneer in the way that Andre Breton was Surrealism's Black Pope. His movies throw our history and movies into an alien and startling disarray." — J. Hoberman
*Please be on the look out for my Arts and Culture interview just done at WKCR at Columbia University with Sara..probing questions and rapport..I will be accompanying the masterpiece "Within Our Gates" by Micheaux at Joe's Pub(@ Public Theater),NYC on March 6th - 7pm...Info and tickets 212.539.8778...Check it out williamhooker.com
02/23/2016
Some videos from my Stone residency !!
Some videos from my Stone residency !!
thanks to Don Mount......................and the wonderful artists .
01/17/2016
Jazz news New NoBusiness Records Archive Series Release: William Hooker "Light. The Early Years 1975-1989"
Featuring David S. Ware, David Murray, Roy Campbell Jr., Mark Hennen, Jemeel Moondoc and others.
NoBusiness Records is pleased to announce a new archive release from it’s series of important musicians and group recordings from the 70s and 80s, which either were never released before or released on small private labels but long out of print and now newly remastered.
This release is dedicated to William Hooker’s early music and covers his most important works during the period from 1975 to 1989. Newly remastered material is now presented in a 4 CD boxed set.
Read full press release here..
Jazz news New NoBusiness Records Archive Series Release: William Hooker "Light. The Early Years 1975-1989"
Featuring David S. Ware, David Murray, Roy Campbell Jr., Mark Hennen, Jemeel Moondoc and others.
NoBusiness Records is pleased to announce a new archive release from it’s series of important musicians and group recordings from the 70s and 80s, which either were never released before or released on small private labels but long out of print and now newly remastered.
This release is dedicated to William Hooker’s early music and covers his most important works during the period from 1975 to 1989. Newly remastered material is now presented in a 4 CD boxed set.
Read full press release here..
11/09/2015
I am proud to announce that my website is now presenting portions of my archive...for your listening pleasure and historical significance...Just pull up the archive page on my site and ENJOY my work and the many great musicians this will present.
"Work
is love
made visible"
I am proud to announce that my website is now presenting portions of my archive...for your listening pleasure and historical significance...Just pull up the archive page on my site and ENJOY my work and the many great musicians this will present.
"Work
is love
made visible"
07/16/2015
This is a video of an intimate gathering at Funkadelic studio that just occurred.
This is a video of an intimate gathering at Funkadelic studio that just occurred.
Enjoy!!!
07/16/2015
04/24/2015
The concert of the William Hooker Quartet at Piano Magic, NYC w/ Jon Irabagon,James Brandon Lewis,Mark Hennen and myself is online....
The concert of the William Hooker Quartet at Piano Magic, NYC w/ Jon Irabagon,James Brandon Lewis,Mark Hennen and myself is online....
