William Echols — Mr. W.E. — grew up in Indianapolis, raised by a single mother in a home where money was short but the radio was always on. Gospel in the morning; R&B, funk, and jazz at night. Those sounds sparked a lifelong urge to release the music that seemed to always be playing in his head.

He hummed melodies in class (and once caught the ruler for it), spent his school years on trombone, and found his true voice the day his mom brought home a tiny Casio keyboard for his birthday. His first keyboard mentor, Phil Wood, sold him a Korg Poly 800 — his first professional instrument — which he played for years with his college choir, Black Voices of Inspiration.

After decades of playing for choirs, ministries, and events, Will took music classes, built a home studio, and experimented until the music finally had a way out. Today he composes, arranges, and performs every instrument on his records. His debut album, Phalanges: The Evolution of Mr. W.E., was followed by Mediterranean Seashores — eleven tracks that move through contemporary jazz, Latin jazz, and Afro-jazz grooves.

It's a family affair: his wife is the photographer and clothing consultant, his daughters serve as production assistants who critique every track, and a trusted circle of friends helps choose the songs that make each album.