Higher Power Project

The Bay Area Jazz Society Presents, “The Higher Power Project” featuring former American Idol finalist Donnie Williams and special guests. Donnie Williams was positioned to win the 2004 American Idol contest when he was kicked off of the show because of a DUI. A year later he received another DUI which prompted him to reach out to the AA Twelve Step Program. The title song Higher Power was born via his experiences with the AA program and today Donny is clean and sober and ready to take his recovery program on the road with a dream to help others through the music of recovery. We are looking forward to performing our music at houses of recovery where we will also feature speakers who are experts in the language of recovery.

Many have called the song Higher Power the National Anthem of recovery. Higher Power was recently named the inspirational song and video of the year by a national contest sponsored by Tyler Perry, B.E.T, Lions Gate Films and Pastor Marvin Winans. Pastor Winans proclaimed that HIGHER POWER “was the winner by far!”. The video was produced by BAJAZZS Executive Director drummer / songwriter Paul Tillman Smith and longtime Prince sideman guitarist Levi Seacer Jr.

One hundred percent of profits from the “Higher Power Project” go into a special fund to help Musicians and Artists of all ages.

Consequently, we are seeking funding for this important project in order to help carry its message across the world and to reach those individuals who can benefit from hearing its message.

Part of our mission is also to provide a helping hand to those musicians who have dedicated their lives to making people happy through music but have no personal retirement or pension for their later years and who may need help with housing, food and health care.he Bay Area Jazz Society Presents, “The Higher Power Project” featuring former American Idol finalist Donnie Williams and special guests. Donnie Williams was positioned to win the 2004 American Idol contest when he was kicked off of the show because of a DUI. A year later he received another DUI which prompted him to reach out to the AA Twelve Step Program. The title song Higher Power was born via his experiences with the AA program and today Donny is clean and sober and ready to take his recovery program on the road with a dream to help others through the music of recovery. We are looking forward to performing our music at houses of recovery where we will also feature speakers who are experts in the language of recovery.

The BAJAZZS “ Higher Power Project” CD features former American Idol vocalist Donnie Williams and his sister Terrill “Tootie” Williams. Also performing are special guests Denise Stewart, lead vocalist with Norman Connors. Derick Hughes, long time lead vocalist with Roberta Flack and the beautiful & talented Talita Long, who is the mother of actress Nia Long. Other’s featured are Vocalist Michael Cheadle, his daughter Mikala Cheadle and internationally respected R&B vocalist Freddie Hughes, Derick’s father.

The CD also includes some of the Bay Area’s finest musicians.

Along with drummer Paul Tillman Smith, who is the current Executive Director of (BAJAZZS) are Co-Producer Nelson Braxton, bassist for the Braxton Brothers and currently on the road with Michael Bolton. Associate Producer, Bassist / Guitarist Levi Seacer Jr, a longtime member of Prince’s band “The Power Generation”. Kenneth Nash, percussionist with Herbie Hancock and Weather Report. World renowned Vocalist Jeanie Tracy who sings background. Eric Daniels, the recent pianist for the “Voice” and former musical director for Mariah Carey. Lauren Hill pianist Kev Choice. Lakeside pianist the late Donald Tavie. Tony Toni Tone’s saxophonist Vincent Lars. Chuck Mangione’s guitarist Carl Lockett, and former Ledisi pianist Sundra Manning. Keyboardist’s Jay Logan & Robert Collier. Guitarist’s Erroll Cooney, Cedrick Dennis and Charles Spikes. Bassist Troy Lampkin and spoken words by Yolandra Rhodes & Tarika Lewis. There is also one musical arrangement by the late Michael Stanton, Marvin Gaye’s beloved keyboardist. Strings by Oakland Symphony players.

To donate to this project or purchase the “The Higher Power Project ” CD please contact us at (BayAreaJazzSociety.org) or

donate at Paypal: using our email address bayjazzs@gmail.com . Or send all correspondence to P.O. Box 3578 Berkeley, CA. 94703 USA. Phone us at 1- 510-689-3332.