The musical career of Keith Williams (1924-2008) has been multi-tangential with indelible marks of success in each segment. After leaving his trumpet chair with the Boyd Raeburn Orchestra, he organized his first post-war dance orchestra, which played extensively in California and surrounding areas. From then until now, Keith has never relented in his quest for the ultimate in big band sounds.

However, he disbanded the dance group to concentrate on motion picture and television activities, during which he arranged, orchestrated, or conducted no less than 28 full length motion pictures, 42 cartoons and 7 commercial films.

Prior to his emergence as a big band leader, he was best known for his work as musical director and conductor for the Charles Chaplin film, “Limelight.” It was his never ending desire to organize a swinging jazz aggregation, which led to the creation of “The Dazzling Sound.” On the basis of his best selling album (with the same title) his group was selected as one of America’s “Top Ten Most Promising Orchestras” in the 1957 Disk Jockey Poll.

In 1958, The Dazzling Sound of Keith Williams and His Orchestra” was selected to accompany Johnny Mercer and the Hi-Lo’s on a nationwide concert.

—Jordi Pujol (From the liner notes of FSRCD 987)