Bear Williams aka (Larry Kimpel) is a relative newcomer to the Blues Genre having only began his career in 2017. However, he is a true veteran in every sense of the word when it comes to the music industry-at-large. As a member of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Bear Williams enjoyed a 20 year run with the Iconic Soul Band from the streets of Philadelphia, plus one year spent with Frankie in the studio recording bass guitar for the band’s last studio album, 1994’s “Back To Basics” on Warner. A twenty-five year career in Los Angeles overlapped Bear’s work with Maze where he both recorded and toured with music legends like Steve Perry of Journey, Babyface, Whitney Houston, George Duke, Alanis Morrisette, Diana Ross, Patti LaBelle, Anita Baker, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Joe Cocker, Al Jarreau, and many more.In 1978, Bear cut his musical teeth on the road as the bass player for Mavis Staples & The Staple Singers and in the recording studios of Chicago, Illinois where he grew up. The youngest of four siblings, (two girls, two boys) Bear’s very first recording sessions came from his High School Band Director, George “Tan” Hunter. Mr. Hunter himself was an accomplished studio woodwind musician as well as high school music teacher. George recognized the talent and drive in Bear almost immediately and so he took it upon himself to mentor the young man and musician in the ways of the professional ranks. Bear was in the right place, at the absolute right time.“Mr. Hunter literally took me to my first recording session.“ He walked into Brunswick recording studios at 623 S. Wabash Avenue with me in tow, and introduced me to record producer, Sonny Saunders, record executive, Carl Davis, and arranger Tom Washington aka Tom Tom 84 of EWF and Phil Collins fame.” Mr. Hunter was good friends with all three of these music giants and so he told them, “This kid can play his ass off, you need to hire him!.” And they did just that! The young Bear Williams aka Larry Kimpel went on to play bass guitar on albums with Chicago music legends, Gene Chandler, Jerry Butler, The Davis Import, and even Dame Shirley Bassey of 007 “GoldFinger” fame. Fast forward to the present day, you can see how through his rich musical background, Bear Williams is poised to rise to the pinnacle of success as a proud Chicago Blues Artist. We invite you, the listener, to come along for the ride.*Talent Buyers and Concert Promoters can Call 773-430-0336 or Email Dee Kimpel: bearwilliamsblues@gmail.comListen for Free Now!https://youtube.com/@gvrpresentsbearwilliams?si=_gXf1DpHmZ51OD0l