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Dave Wilson

Dave Wilson is jazz saxophonist, recording artist, composer, and educator in the Central PA/ Delaware Valley area where he leads his band The Dave Wilson Quartet. Born and raised in Bronxville, N.Y. Wilson has studied with saxophonists Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Bill Barron, Ralph Lalama with a primary focus on tenor and soprano. He is also adept at alto, clarinet, and flute. With his quartet, Wilson and his band mates are known for their exciting improvisations, creative individualistic compositions, and unique arrangements of standards. As the saxophonist states, "what sounds good, is what is true to our artistic vision, and can communicate with the audience on a deep level...it's jazz".

In January 2022, Wilson released his sixth CD, Stretching Supreme (2022 Dave Wilson Music), a homage to Wilson’s idol John Coltrane, whose music changed the course of Wilson’s life and career. In an early review Chris Spector of the Midwest Record writes, “A sax bad boy that knows his stuff pays tribute to Coltrane and doing a fine job interpreting music that lives on 60 years later…Count on this journey through the past to hit all the right notes at every turn.”

The 7-song disc, taped at Philadelphia’s own Chris’ Jazz club on two separate evening in 2017 and 2018 includes 5 John Coltrane compositions, the 3-song suite “Love Supreme”, “Dear Lord”, “Naima”, a Wilson original “On the Prairie” and the Mancini classic “Days Of Wine and Roses”. The performances are the fruition of the quartet’s long-time lineup. As Wilson states, “...On this night I owed so much to my long-time bandmates pianist Kirk Reese, basist Tony Marino and drummer Alex Ritz. We hit some magic, got in a groove, and stayed there. We felt a spirit, a creative flow and were in the moment.”

Wilson’s artistry shines through out the CD, weaving through the legendary saxophonist’s epic suite with a fluidity that is fresh, exciting, and vibrant while spanning a plethora of nuances and dynamics via an arsenal of tenor and soprano horns. As Wilson says. “We were able to capture the magic of a live recording on a good night, and there was no reason to edit or chop these songs down to take away from it. It’s all here in its entirety.”

Early reviews: “A sax bad boy that knows his stuff pays tribute to Coltrane and doing a fine job interpreting music that lives on 60 years later…Count on this journey through the past to hit all the right notes at every turn.” -Chris Spector, Midwest Record “Wilson and his teammates are clearly invested in the enterprise, musically and emotionally… there is enticing jazz to be uncorked here and handsome solos.” -All About Jazz by Jack Bowers

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32
Album Review

The Dave Wilson Quartet: Stretching Supreme

Read "Stretching Supreme" reviewed by Jack Bowers


On Stretching Supreme, his seventh album as leader of his own ensembles, saxophonist Dave Wilson pays homage to a musical hero-- the legendary John Coltrane--performing a trio of Coltrane's classic themes from his late-career “transitional" period, “A Love Supreme," “Dear Lord" and “Naima," recorded in October 2017 at Chris' Jazz Café in Philadelphia; “A Love Supreme" is divided into three parts, a lengthy “Introduction," “Acknowledgement" and “Resolution." They are complemented by Wilson's original composition, “On the Prairie," and the Henry ...

6
Album Review

Dave Wilson: There Was Never

Read "There Was Never" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Saxophonist Dave Wilson cuts an imposing figure on the cover of There Was Never, his fourth album in total and his first on the Zoho Music imprint. There's intensity fixed on his face, with eyes closed in concentration and embouchure set for attack. And then there's his tenor saxophone. It has a larger than life presence in the photo. This is the picture of a man on a mission, a leader who knows what he wants, a musician who knows ...

116
Album Review

Dave Wilson: Spiral

Read "Spiral" reviewed by Raul d'Gama Rose


The nature of successful interlocking is that the pieces fit each other with seamless perfection. In a group of disparate musicians this is not always possible. However, with the ensemble that saxophonist Dave Wilson has put together the pieces seem to fit with enviable perfection. There is a swirling energy that keeps the unit cohesive; but, more than that, it appears as if saxophonist, pianist Phil Markowitz, bassist Tony Marino and drummer Adam Nussbaum were cut from the same cloth. ...

147
Album Review

Dave Wilson: Spiral

Read "Spiral" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Saxophonist Dave Wilson's Spiral isn't directed at one specific jazz-listening demographic. High-brow originals ("Spiral") line up next to new arrangements of neglected jazz works (Richie Beirach's “Elm"), while rock-based performances (Creed's “My Own Prison") reside near gentler soprano saxophone statements ("Summer Breezes"). Fortunately, disparate stylistic directions don't derail the overall sound or focus of this project and the quartet manages to maintain a unified sound throughout. “Spiral" and “Elm," which start off the album, threaten to scare ...

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Dave Wilson

Read "Take Five With Dave Wilson" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Dave Wilson: Dave Wilson was born and raised in Bronxville, NY. As the leader of his own jazz groups, the Dave Wilson Quartet/Crazeology, Wilson and his band mates are known for their groundbreaking improvisations along with creative individualistic compositions and unique arrangements of standards. Wilson was also co-leader for many years, with the great trumpet stylist, Ben Mauger, of the well known Traditional/New Orleans ensemble, the Canal Street Hot 6, (CD; Back In the Day). The Canal Street Hot ...

216
Album Review

Dave Wilson Quartet: Spiral

Read "Spiral" reviewed by Karl Ackermann


Saxophonist Dave Wilson was previously a member of two Dave Stahl groups, also playing with the likes of Wynton Marsalis, Tom Harrell, Lew Soloff and Conrad Herwig and studying with the great Joe Lovano. The New York native has released two previous collections as a leader, and is actively immersed in music as both an educator and a business person. Wilson's compositions and covers reflect an eclectic approach, featuring ballads, Latin influences, free improvisation and mainstream jazz. Wilson's and his ...

157
Album Review

The Dave Wilson Quartet: My Time

Read "My Time" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


Dave Wilson's debut album, Through The Time (2002), presented him as a post-Coltrane soprano and tenor saxophonist with a penchant for melody. On My Time, recorded with a Pennsylvania group, he retains bassisst Steve Meashey, adding pianist Matt Hockmiller and drummer Tony Deangelis.

Wilson opens the album with an unusual choice, Alec Wilder's “Moon and Sand," which he plays as a ballad on both soprano and tenor sax. The remaining ten selections include five originals, plus “Just Friends," ...

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4

Recording

Brawny-Toned tenorman Dave Wilson releases "One Night At Chris’' (in Philadelphia) with Kirk Reese, Tony Marino and Dan Monaghan

Brawny-Toned tenorman Dave Wilson releases "One Night At Chris’' (in Philadelphia) with Kirk Reese, Tony Marino and Dan Monaghan

Source: All About Jazz

From the One Night At Chris' liner notes by Bill Milkowski As brawny-toned tenor man Dave Wilson said, in reflecting back on this inspired set, “It was a good night!” That’s an understatement. One Night at Chris’ bristles with a kind of visceral energy and sheer burn that lit up the crowd at the famed Chris’ Jazz Cafe in jny: Philadelphia in March of 2018 and makes for invigorating listening now. Wilson’s fifth recording as a leader and first live ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Source: Michael Ricci


1

Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Dave Wilson In Kennett Square On Wed. January 2nd!

Saxophonist Dave Wilson In Kennett Square On Wed. January 2nd!

Source: Jim Miller

Jazz Bridge in Kennett Square! presents saxophonist Dave Wilson at Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley in Kennett Square, on Wednesday January 2nd 2013. Tickets are $10, $5 for students, and are available only at the door. Show time is 7:30. The huge-toned saxophonist Dave Wilson first received press attention for his traditional/New Orleans ensemble the Canal Street Hot 6, and has carried through with his admiration for that genre with today's Dave Wilson's Rampart Street Ramblers, which continues to tour. ...

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Wilson's birthday today!

Dave Wilson was born (Aug. 22, 1955) and raised in Bronxville, NY. rooted strongly in a music background since the fourth grade, Wilson continues to forge his name in jazz as a lasting influence. Wilson has been residing in the Lancaster, PA area since 1983. As the leader of his own jazz groups, the Dave Wilson Quartet/Crazeology... Read more.

Place our Musician of the Day widget on your website or blog. ...

106

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Source:

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Wilson's birthday today!

Dave Wilson was born (Aug. 22, 1955) and raised in Bronxville, NY. rooted strongly in a music background since the fourth grade, Wilson continues to forge his name in jazz as a lasting influence. Wilson has been residing in the Lancaster, PA area since 1983. As the leader of his own jazz groups, the Dave Wilson Quartet/Crazeology...Dave Wilson was born (Aug. 22, 1955) and raised in Bronxville, NY. rooted strongly in ...

181

Performance / Tour

Dave Wilson Quartet CD Release at Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philly on Friday, Dec. 3rd!

Dave Wilson Quartet CD Release at Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philly on Friday, Dec. 3rd!

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

Friday, Dec 3rd: 8-11:15 PM. 2 sets at 8 and 10. $10 COVER; $5 FOR STUDENTS: THE Dave Wilson All-Star Quartet (Philadelphia area CD release for “Spiral" Summit Records featuring Jim Ridl on Piano, Steve Varner on bass, and world renowned Adam Nussbaum on drums); BACK LIVE AT CHRIS' JAZZ CAFÉ! Located at 1421 Sansom Street in Philadelphia, Chris' (chrisjazzcafe.com / 215-568-3131) is one of the top jazz venues in Philadelphia! Listen to Dave speak with Jeff Duperon live on ...

66

Performance / Tour

The Dave Wilson Quartet at ROSA ROSA in Lancaster, PA this Friday, October 15th

The Dave Wilson Quartet at ROSA ROSA in Lancaster, PA this Friday, October 15th

Source: Dave Wilson

Friday, Oct. 15th: The Dave Wilson Quartet, (with Dave Wilson on tenor and soprano saxophones; Matt Hochmiller on piano; Tony Marino on bass; Butch Reed on drums; 9:30-12:00 AM at the hot spot for live jazz in Lancaster, PA, ROSA ROSA, Located at 398 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA. 717-509-3970. The new album Spiral by the Dave Wilson Quartet (Featuring Phil Markowitz on piano, Tony Marino on bass, and Adam Nussbaum on drums), released this past summer on Summit Records, received ...

55

Performance / Tour

The Dave Wilson Quartet returns to the "Jazz By Night Celebration", this Saturday, October 16th at Stephen's in Media, PA

The Dave Wilson Quartet returns to the "Jazz By Night Celebration", this Saturday, October 16th at Stephen's in Media, PA

Source: Dave Wilson

Saturday, Oct. 16th: The Dave Wilson quartet, (with Dave Wilson on tenor and soprano saxophones; Tom Lawton on piano; Keith Mohler on bass; Butch Reed on drums), returning to the Media (PA) “Jazz By Night Celebration." The Festival takes place on State Street, Media, PA that evening from 7:30-1:00 AM Rain or Shine with Free Parking! We will be appearing at Stephen's at State, 9:15-1:00. No Charge. The new album “Spiral" by the Dave Wilson Quartet (Featuring Phil Markowitz on ...

75

Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Jazz Musician of the Day: Dave Wilson

Source:

All About Jazz is celebrating Dave Wilson's birthday today!

Dave Wilson

Dave Wilson was born (Aug. 22, 1955) and raised in Bronxville, NY. rooted strongly in a music background since the fourth grade, Wilson continues to forge his name in jazz as a lasting influence. Wilson has been residing in the Lancaster... more

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162

Recording

Dave Wilson Quartet Releases "Spiral" on Summit Records

Dave Wilson Quartet Releases "Spiral" on Summit Records

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

The CD is out! Spiral by the Dave Wilson Quartet, featuring Dave on tenor and soprano saxophones, was released officially on June 15th, courtesy of Summit Records, a nationally based label, located in Phoenix, Arizona. This features 6 original compositions in a contemporary mode including “Spiral," “Ocean Blue," “Movin' On," “Remembering," “Summer Breezes," and “Like GS 2"; plus unique arrangements of three contemporary pop classics including “Friend of the Devil" by the psychedelic jam band icons the Grateful Dead; “(You're ...

Here are what some of the critics are saying about Stretching Supreme (2022, Dave Wilson Music)

“A sax bad boy that knows his stuff pays tribute to Coltrane and doing a fine job interpreting music that lives on 60 years later…Count on this journey through the past to hit all the right notes at every turn.” -Chris Spector, Midwest Record “An excellent CD, fully worthy of the one to whom most of the music is dedicated. Wilson was able to achieve Trane’s massive tone, and he really has managed to duplicate his rich, vibrato less sound on tenor, which is a miracle in itself.” -The Art Music Lounge, by Lynn Rene Bayley

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Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

In the South Central Pennsylvania Area, I am actively seeking students for private instruction on woodwind instruments: all saxophones (all levels), clarinet (all levels), flute (beginning to intermediate), and beginning oboe. I believe my name is on your list, but, if it is not, please put it on. You can add the phone number: (717)-581-0153, the email: [email protected], as well as the music studios and their phone numbers that I am associated with (this is important): - Lititz Academy of Music (717) 627-4000, 112 N Locust St, Lititz, PA 17543 - Lancaster Conservatory of Music, (717)-394-7106, 1020 Dillerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603 - Pick Music, 717) 266-8942, 60 Glen Dr

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Joe Lovano
saxophone
Eric Alexander
saxophone, tenor
Sonny Stitt
saxophone
Michael Brecker
saxophone, tenor
John Coltrane
saxophone
Stan Getz
saxophone, tenor
Dexter Gordon
saxophone, tenor
Dave Liebman
saxophone, soprano
Hank Mobley
saxophone, tenor
Charlie Parker
saxophone, alto

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Stretching Supreme

Self Produced
2021

buy

One Night At Chris’

Self Produced
2019

buy

There Was Never

Zoho Music
2015

buy

Spiral

Summit Records
2010

buy

My Time

Dreambox Media
2006

buy

Ocean Blues

From: One Night At Chris’
By Dave Wilson

Ocean Blue

From: Spiral
By Dave Wilson

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