“If you like cats who play real music, then MBT is for you.” – Dave Williams

MBT (MajicBulletTheory) is a dynamic funk jazz band from Long Beach, CA, led by trumpeter Dave Williams. The innovative artist, composer, producer, and bandleader is known throughout the city amongst underground audiophiles, lo-fi aficionados, and avid jazz enthusiasts. He has been embraced by influential civic leaders and interviewed by local media including the Long Beach Post, Palacio Magazine, and VoyageLA. In 2020, Williams’ photo was displayed prominently at an intersection for a campaign promoting vibrance and diversity, launched by the Downtown Long Beach Alliance. For over a decade, Williams has been likened to Miles Davis–in method, music direction, and mark.

His band name is memorable and metaphoric, representing the impossible. The name ‘MajicBulletTheory’ was inspired by Williams’ desire to assemble a new first-rate band. He had intention, new musical ideas to express, and needed players to fulfill his vision for music that could transcend expectations, much like a magic bullet. In an interview with Long Beach Voices, Williams recalls saying, ‘I wanted to bring all these people together to do what I wanted to do, and it happened.’ Rightly so, it’s the combined 40+ combine years of musicianship, live instrumentation, and DJ cuts and scratches that truly set them apart.

Building on Williams’ growing presence in the community and the independent release of their 2011 debut studio album, “Paradigm Shift,” Williams and MBT have garnered loyal fans. A rise in support followed the release of their second album, “Supernatural Selection,” in 2017. “Sophisticated Voltron” and “Vindaloo” are classic MBT crowd favorites.

Showcasing original music and covers, MBT has performed at acclaimed venues in the live music scene, including Harvelle’s, Sky Room, Roscoe’s Jazz Lounge, The Queen Mary, Willmore Wine Bar, The Mint in Los Angeles, Kaos Network and The World Stage in Leimert Park—the same venue that nurtured Kamasi Washington’s early sets. The funky jazz crew has also enjoyed frequent collaborations with local soul and blues artists, Chad Bishop and ShyButFlyy.

The band is completing a highly anticipated new album to follow their 2022 EP, entitled “Different Standards, Too.” Beyond his musical achievements, ​Dave Williams is also a United States Veteran who has earned his respect on and off stage. 

With his signature trumpet in hand, you’ll often hear him call out a phrase that embodies the band’s ethos and energy: “We Love This Sport.”

Support the music of Dave Williams and MBT: Bandcamp Apple Music Spotify

Follow Dave Williams and MBT on social media: Instagram Facebook YouTube