New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Steve Wilson Sets First New Album Release in 12 Years; 'Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions' is Confirmed for 3/24/15, as Wilson Signs with
Random Act Records
Jazz saxophonist Steve Wilson has confirmed his first new album release in over 12 years: 'Steve Wilson & Wilsonian's Grain Live in New York: The Vanguard Sessions' is set for March 24, 2015, as Wilson signs with
Random Act Records. The new CD will feature tracks recorded live at the Village Vanguard on May 24 & 25, 2014, and will showcase Wilson along with the great talents of Orrin Evans on piano, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and Bill Stewart on drums.
In addition to being Wilson's first headlining release since 2003's 'Soulful Song', the upcoming album marks a number of other 'firsts': Wilson's first time doing a live recording as a leader, first time recording at the historic Village Vanguard, and first time/debut recording with his 'go-to-band', Wilsonian's Grain. The project was also partially financed thanks to the support of 214 contributors to Wilson's first-ever Kickstarter campaign.
Wilson's goal for the recording was to capture the distinctive vibe of performing in the Village Vanguard. The room is famous for it's wonderful, warm sound, and Wilson's aim was to capture that essence for the listener. To add to that, the tracks on this recording were chosen and sequenced to reflect his approach to planning a live concert set. Wilson wants fans to "sit back, push play, close your eyes, and enjoy this live experience in the comfort of your own home."
Track listing:
Well You Needn't - Thelonious Monk
Spot It You Got it - Orrin Evans
Chrysalis - Steve Wilson
Perry street - Steve Wilson
Spheresophically - Steve Wilson
If I Were a Wind of
Spring - Migiwa Miyajima
Patterns - Joe Chambers
Wilson's long-time Manager,
Laura Hartmann of LVanHart Artist Productions, comments: "I didn't get it. When Steve first told me of his idea for a quartet: Orrin Evans, Ugonna Okegwo and Bill Stewart, I didn't get it. But, after the first gig, I was a devout believer. These guys are perfectly mismatched, and are each such creative instigators, their performances are just thrilling. This band is a most adventurous group of musicians, who allow Steve's voice as leader to be heard loud and clear. The root of the music is within the tradition, but be warned, they are anything but traditional! I am so happy for Steve that he's been able to document this band. There will be more believers when they hear it!"
Scott Elias, President of
Random Act Records, said: "Random Act Records is extremely proud to release master saxophonist/composer/bandleader
STEVE WILSON's forthcoming album "Wilsononian's Grain - Live in New York." Steve is one of the preeminent jazz musicians of our time. He has absorbed all the knowledge of prior generations, and has expanded the language to make it uniquely his own. This album is a compelling experience: It captures the feeling of attending a live set by supremely talented players, presented at the most venerated jazz club in the world."
Wilsonian's Grain's first gig was at the Kennedy Center Jazz Club, October 17, 2008. It was recorded by NPR and appeared on JazzSet with
Dee Dee Bridgewater the week of April 2, 2009. They also appeared on WBGO's The Check Out with Josh Jackson, recorded at the Village Vanguard in March of 2010. They have performed together regularly in the years since.
Upcoming Wilsonian's Grain 2015 performances (Dates Subject to change):
March 20 Western Michigan University
March 21 Nighttown, Cleveland Heights, OH
March 23 & 23 TBA
March 24-26 University of MI, Ann Arbor, MI
March 26 Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI
March 27 & 28 Green Mill, Chicago, IL
March 29 Murray's, Columbia MO (We Always Swing Jazz Series)
April 7 Capital Ale House, Richmond, VA (Richmond Jazz Society)
April 8-11 TBA
May 7-10 Jazz Standard, NYC
June 27
Saratoga Jazz Festival
Sept 19 Vermont Jazz Center, Brattleboro, VT
"Wilsonian's Grain, a post-bop quartet that channeled the saxophonist's best qualities — selflessness, a fresh and well-made take on the tradition, and the ability to reference a broad spectrum of strategies and styles without falling prey to pastiche or sacrificing an original voice. "
Detroit Free Press
More Information: https://www.stevewilsonmusic.com/
