CDs & DVDs

My work on these CDs made in collaboration with other performers uses a combination of new music improvisation and contemporary jazz to create (fo me) fresh sounding music that is rich in vitality and interest.


Ensorcell (2012)

These solo piano pieces are inspired by my desire to create complete compositions as spontaneously and freely as possible through new music and jazz improvisation using my intuition to guide and structure the gestures, themes, tonalities, rhythms and moods that come to me. I like to follow my sources and see where they lead me through images of nature's elements and life forms moving through abstract landscapes of light and shade and texture. Ensorcell expresses how I am captivated and respond to these ideas through my impromptu creations which I hope you enjoy. 
Signposts (2011)

Signposts is the collaboration between composers Bill Gilliam & Charlie Ringas performing prepared piano and percussion with spoken word. These pieces are based on the poetry and writings of Ivor Cutler, Don Van Vliet, Alan Lightman and Rumi. We perform these evocative texts and poetry to signpost our sound explorations with musical improvisations.
Spirit Matter (2001)

This CD was recorded in 2000 and released in 2001. On this album, Bill continues to explore the musical possibilities between contemporary jazz and new music with compositions that are inspired by a desire to reconcile the irrational with the inevitable. This CD features a heavy hitting line-up of hot Toronto jazz talent with composer/pianist Bill Gilliam, Ernie Tollar (sax), Kevin Turcotte (trumpet), Duncan Hopkins (bass), Toronto-based Ben Riley (drums) and guest percussionist Mark Duggan. “Spirit Matter” was co-produced, mixed and mastered by two time Juno award winner recording engineer of the year (1992, 2001) Jeff Wolpert.
Urban Undercurrents (1998)

The rich and eclectic music of this ensemble has evolved from Bill’s unique piano playing and writing style that combines contemporary jazz with nuances of new music performed by some of Toronto’s hottest jazz players. Ernie Tollar’s lyrical sax improvisations on these bitter sweet melodies with Lina Allemano on trumpet and Bill’s compelling piano style, are underscored on this album by Howard Gaul on drums and Dave Young on bass engaged in a masterful interplay of driving grooves and sensitive accompaniment.