My name is Lee Williams, and I am an electric and acoustic bassist, music director, and educator based in Nashville, TN.
I was born in Bowling Green, KY and came up in a music scene that fostered breakout alternative acts like Cage the Elephant, Morning Teleportation, and my own band, Sleeper Agent.
I have been touring steadily since the age of 16, predominantly as a bassist but also serving as tour manager and music director for various artists. My stage credits include Ben Rector, Ben Kweller, Sleeper Agent, the Josephines, Morning Teleportation, and more.
I am a graduate of Belmont University’s School of Music, where I received a degree in Commercial Music with an emphasis in performance.
I pride myself on emphasizing the song and the artist above everything else.
As a bassist, specifically, I know the value of the instrument’s support role and believe in the ability for the right part to make a good song great.
Most of my musical heroes are session legends—James Jamerson, Duck Dunn, Jerry Jemmott, David Hood, Bob Moore, Charlie McCoy, Joe Osbourne, Chuck Rainey, Carol Kaye. I’ve poured over their music all of my life and want nothing more than to be a part of the legacy of playing what the song needs and not one note more (or less!).
I have worked hard to make myself the most competent sideman that I can possibly be, and I continue that work every day—in addition to bass playing I am an able background vocalist, sight reader, chart writer, and arranger.
While I initially cut my teeth in the Rock world, I am experienced in virtually every area of commercial music, including Pop, Country, R&B, Hip Hop, and Jazz.
As a graduate of Belmont University’s Commercial Music program, I have studied with some of the country’s best music educators.
From them I gained a great appreciation for music education and a desire to pass what they taught me on to other bass players.
I strive to develop unique curriculum for every student based on their own interests and goals, though I hope to always encourage the development of good technique, an understanding of relevant music theory, and skills in bassline development and improvisation.
I am available now for lessons with beginning and intermediate students, either in person or remotely.
