Hilary Noble is woodwind player, Afro-Latin percussionist, composer and music educator living in the Boston area. He has performed all over the U.S, Europe, and in Puerto Rico. His music has been played on radio stations internationally and featured prominently on local programs such as WGBH’s “Eric in the Evening”, on which he has performed live with his band Enclave. In 2008 Enclave received a grant from Chamber Music America to compose an Afro-Cuban jazz suite: the resulting work was premiered live on WGBH and at the Jazz Gallery in New York City. Artists Hilary Noble has played and recorded with include Bobby Sanabria’s Ascención, Esperanza Spalding, John Santos, Ray Vega, Chris Washburne, Charles Neville, Bo Diddley, Eric Krasno, Entrain, Max Creek, Bob Moses, Robin Kenyatta, Clifford Thornton, and Alvin Queen.
Awards
2008 Chamber Music America Grant for Composing a Multimovement Work for Small Ensemble
"“Noble Savage”, only the start of something very, very good." (Bob Young, Boston Herald)
"A talent deserving wider recognition, his playing is intense, creative, sublime, nuanced, as are his
compositions which provide great vehicles for the soloist and nice twists and turns for the rhythm section..."
(Bobby Sanabria, Musician, Educator and Host of WBGO "Latin Jazz Cruise")
"Headed by trumpet master Ray Vega... the ensemble included the explosive trombonist Chris Washburne and
killer saxophonist Hilary Noble in the front line." (nippertown.com)
"...may open your eyes to a whole new horizon of endless musical possibilities, Hats off to Hilary Noble!" (Jazz
Improv)
While the excitement of the Latin rhythmic ambience is the recording's most striking feature, several very fine
improvised solos also contribute to its appeal
Read more
"“Noble Savage”, only the start of something very, very good." (Bob Young, Boston Herald)
"A talent deserving wider recognition, his playing is intense, creative, sublime, nuanced, as are his
compositions which provide great vehicles for the soloist and nice twists and turns for the rhythm section..."
(Bobby Sanabria, Musician, Educator and Host of WBGO "Latin Jazz Cruise")
"Headed by trumpet master Ray Vega... the ensemble included the explosive trombonist Chris Washburne and
killer saxophonist Hilary Noble in the front line." (nippertown.com)
"...may open your eyes to a whole new horizon of endless musical possibilities, Hats off to Hilary Noble!" (Jazz
Improv)
While the excitement of the Latin rhythmic ambience is the recording's most striking feature, several very fine
improvised solos also contribute to its appeal. (Jazz Times)
"Not many percussionists double on saxophone, or vice versa, and Noble must be applauded for his
competence in both areas. As a saxophonist he blends a number of styles from bop, R&B and gospel to the
more cutting-edge paths followed by such trailblazers as Ornette Coleman, Eric Dolphy and especially John
Coltrane." (Jack Bowers, allaboutjazz.com)
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Primary Instrument
Saxophone, tenor
Location
Boston
Willing to teach
Beginner to advanced
Credentials/Background
Tenured teacher at Boston Public Schools, taught World Music at Art Institute of New England, accompanist at
Boston Conservatory/Berklee College of Music.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Have conducted clinics on percussion of the African Diaspora and Afro-Latin music.