New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Travis
Wesley has established himself as an innovator of carving out new avenues for jazz in his new CD "Cycle by Three". His repertoire and original compositions open doors to experimentation through cohesive conversation that is endlessly leading forward with continuous exchanges that capture the melodic thought process of this igniting force. "Wesley's technique leaves the listener open to new musical horizons that not only astound his audiences but teaches them what real jazz is" says Jaijai Jackson, of The Jazz Network Worldwide.
From his sensitive style of improvisation and composition coupled with the musical imprint his group exudes "Cycle By Three" is most impressive as a whole. His trio consists of Toby Curtright on acoustic bass and Tom Marko on drums and together they have challenged the status quo creating a reputation as "a force to be reckoned with in jazz".
Wesley was originally influenced with formal training, playing the likes of Chopin, Bach, Bartok and Mozart with much emphasis on the traditional piano repertoire. Soon after, was introduced to swing, ragtime, boogie-woogie which led him into the exploration of other eras of jazz.
While attending Berklee College of
Music he worked as a professional musician. Later relocated to Central Illinois where he led his own quartet while attending Eastern Illinois University. He received the honor of a Bachelors degree in music and jazz studies and in 2005 completed his Masters degree.
Travis is also in the process of completing his doctorate degree in jazz piano performance from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, with a minor in musicology and piano pedagogy.
Travis is currently a music instructor at
Heartland Community College in Normal, IL, and an active clinician, musicologist and music journalist.
"By definition, this record falls somewhere between a song cycle and a concept album. Each of the seven pieces that I contributed were composed with this album in mind. Bassist, Toby Curtright contributed two pieces, For Us This Is The End Of All Stories and But He Himself Was Broken. Prelude and Postlude serve as bookends and behave much like a theme and its variation. These two pieces utilize concepts that are explored by the trio throughout the album: the use of the bass as a melodic voice, creative use of the pedal point, through-composed material and counterpoint. We attempted to evoke feeling and human emotion through our musical interpretations, and we feel there is a deep, contemplative tone to the set of compositions as a whole."
Travis Wesley
Wesley has worked in recent times with
Kevin Hart, Matt Hughes, Frieda Lee, Jeff Helgesen, Darden Purcell, Shawn Purcell,
Margaret Murphy, Ron Jones, Ben Wheeler,Tim Brickner, Chip McNeil, Jeff Magby, Cory Flanigan, Andy Crawford, Tom Marko, Jay Sawyer, Frank Parker and
Carlos Vega. He has led trios for 15 years in addition to recording two, recent albums,
Natural Diversion (2012) and most recently,
Cycle By Three (2013).
Wesley is currently looking to bring his musical expertise to worldwide jazz stages, by seeking non-exclusive booking agents to procure performance opportunities. In addition, as most 'new innovators of jazz artists', seeks a seasoned management team to professionally guide his excellence in the worldwide marketplace of jazz performance as well as educational platforms that will effectively nurture the growth of jazz to the inquisitive young musical student.
"WhileTravis Wesley's playing on 2012's
Natural Diversion showed his roots,
Cycle By Three displays his individuality and creativity. This colorful and inventive set points the way towards the piano trio of the future." - Scott Yanow
Be sure to check out The
Travis Wesley Trio feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide at https://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com as well as visiting https://www.traviswesleyjazz.com to learn more and to purchase "Cycle By Three".
