| Bear Williams aka Larry Kimpel, proud recipient of the 2023 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and Volunteer Services Award is a Chicago-Based Blues / Rock / Soul / Folk Artist who records and tours internationally. He is the co-founder and co-owner of GVR Records distributed by INgrooves / Razor’s Edge / Universal Music Group. The label is the sole vehicle for Bear’s many projects. Bear Williams released his debut Blues / Americana CD entitled "Waters Of Love" in 2017. His follow up EP entitled “Blues Rebel”, the Single “Quarantine Blues”, "This Is America" and a plethora of other music has been released to the public during the last few years. Bear’s musical career was launched in 1977 when his High School Band Leader, The Late George “Tan” Hunter introduced the then 18 year old novice to Chicago record mogul, Carl Davis, record producer, Sonny Saunders, and the world-renowned arranger, Tom Tom Washington (EWF, Phil Collins). Mr. Hunter recommended Bear to play bass guitar in the recording studio on projects that the three music veterans were working on with Gene “Duke of Earl” Chandler. Sonny Saunders hired Bear on the spot which led to the driving Bass Guitar work on Gene Chandler‘s international hit albums, “When You’re Number One” and “Rainbow 80”. Bear went on to perform and record with many other Top Artists such as, Mavis Staples & The Staple Singers, Bobby Lyle, Anita Baker, George Duke, Babyface, Whitney Houston, The Crusaders, Bruce Hornsby, Tom Scott, Diana Ross, Ledisi, Rachelle Ferrelle, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Price, Bobby Caldwell, Mervyn Warren (Take 6), Ray Parker Jr., Branford Marsalis, Boney James, Rick Braun, Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Randy Crawford, George Benson, Norman Conners, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Little Richard, Miki Howard, Kevin Toney, Bobby Womack, Peabo Bryson, Steve Perry (Journey), Angela Bofill, Randy Crawford, Brenda Russell, Alanis Morrisette, Joe Cocker and Al Jarreau, just to name a very few. In addition to his recording, songwriting and production work, Bear was the bass player and musical director of the Award Winning R&B/Soul Band, Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly for two decades.Having moved on from Maze in 2023 Bear is now one the founder members of TMF The Music Forever. TMF is an All-Star Classic R&B Band comprised of the six former members of Maze and the world renowned singer/songwriter, Chris Walker. TMF’s first release is entitled, “Making Love To The Music” and it is gaining more and more recognition and popularity on radio and with music fans as the days go by. The Bear Williams Band: |
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CHRIS WINTERS lead guitar & vocal Chris makes his guitar sing! He also makes one hell of a pot of the spicy stuff, and so we call him... "Chili". Chris also teaches guitar at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. |
ALTON SMITH keyboards & vocal Practically a keyboard player since birth, Alton is Ensemble instructor, and Piano teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. He also performs with many groups around the city. |
BEAR WILLIAMS bass & lead vocal Founded in Chicago in 2017, Bear Williams Band is led by the longtime bass player and musical director of the Platinum-Selling R&B Band, “Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly”. Bear spent many years working in the recording studios in Chicago & Los Angeles. He's played on over 400 CDs and his body of work is recognized and admired the world over. |
CHUCK LACY
drums & vocal Chuck studied music at Columbia College and Concordia University in Chicago. He is constantly in demand, both as a drummer and engineer. |
BILL BRICKEY
guitar & vocal Besides being a great guitarist, Bill is Founder and CEO of ShooBooty Studios, which is an Interdisciplinary Arts and Entertainment Company based in Chicago. |