Rhythm Queen

Caroline Williams aka RHYTHM QUEENCaroline ‘Rhythm Queen’ Williams began her musical career in 1980 when she joined the popular reggae band Nightdoctor. The band was armed with a full brass section and enjoyed success covering the Studio One instrumentals she had grown up on. She also had the privilege of working with Studio One veteran trombonist Vin Gordon and jazz trombonist Annie Whitehead.In 1982 she was playing with Matumbi on the Reggae Shuttle European Tour, which also featured Horace Andy and Max Romeo.After this tour Caroline teamed up with Horace Andy. One of the many tracks recorded was Elementary. This was the title track of an album considered to be the first of its kind, and was classified as ‘electro-reggae’. It was at this time she was dubbed Rhythm Queen by Blacka Dread of Coxsone Sound System.In 1986 she joined Akabu, the pioneering all female band. With Akabu she travelled extensively, and as a session musician she has worked with top names in the reggae world.In 1990 she was back in the studio with Horace Andy, producing an album which gained the interest of Cameron McVey of the Cherry Bear Organisation and instigated a project with Massive Attack. She co-wrote a track on their Blue Lines album, nominated for a Brit Award in 1992.In 1991 she was in America in the studio with Lloyd Barnes of Bullwackies, recording Horace Andy Sings Bob Marley, also released on the Japan based Tachyon Records.In 1998 her first production, ‘Showcase’ CD was well received and enjoyed success on the internet market. It also earned her an entry in the Muze UK’s publication of the ‘Encyclopedia of Popular Music’.The millennium brought new adventures as ‘SISTA’ was formed. A collective of 14 women musicians. In a short time they had played prestige events, and their CD ‘Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival 2000’ is out now.