ThisIsRnB had the distinguished pleasure of sitting down with GRAMMY award-winning Bassist/producer Ben Williams and Broadway’s Nala and our dear friend Syndee Winters for a vibrant entertaining exclusive conversation. The charismatic duo touch on a variety of topics ranging from navigating the entertainment industry as independent artists, joining forces to create and perform as the new power duo “Butterfly Black,” to their upcoming album, and so much more.
Ben Williams is among the upper echelon of his contemporaries in the jazz scene. After winning the 2009 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition, he has released a handful of critical-acclaimed solo albums and recorded and/or performed with numerous heavyweights such as Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, George Benson, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington, Jose James, among others.
Syndee Winters is a commanding Broadway stage singer, dancer, and actress, who has performed in such defining productions as Hamilton, The Lion King, Pippin, Motown The Musical, and Jesus Christ Superstar. Before working on Broadway, she was a dancer for the New York Knicks basketball team and a hip-hop and soul singer, who worked with Grandmaster Flash on his 2009 album, ‘The Bridge.’
Together and individually, Williams and Winters perform as “Butterfly Black,” celebrating a time when all you wanted to do was dance, love, and live your most fulfilling life. In their music, they capture the magic and spirit of Classic Motown feel-good music. Butterfly Black is currently at work on their debut 5-song EP, due out later this year.
Watch our exclusive interview with Ben Williams and Syndee Winters and enjoy as they deliver a mellow live performance to rekindle people’s connection with and through their music.
Follow on Instagram Ben Williams @benwmsonbass Syndee Winters @syndeewinters
The Butterfly Black duo recently delivered a stellar performance at New York’s Rockwood Music Hall to thunderous applause. Our own “The Reach” host, Broadway performer LaNette Wallace was in attendance, and ThisIsRnB fam drummer/percussionist Bendji Allonce joined the duo.
Butterfly Black’s latest single “Lifetime,” is an effervescent groove and richly melodious R&B song that draws upon the legacy of iconic male-female soul duos like Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Ike & Tina Turner, and Ashford & Simpson. The contemporary lyrics of “Lifetime” touch on the topic of love in all its forms – love of others, love of self, and even the importance of self-care through therapy. The single was released and accompanied by a beautiful visually stunning black-and-white music video directed by Lauren Desberg.
Check out Butterfly Black’s intoxicating debut “I Just Want Love You” which is a summery mid-tempo song that speaks truth to love. It is reminiscent of Leon Sylvers’ legendary production and songwriting work at SOLAR Records in the early-’80s.