Steve Wilson Photo credit: Melody McLaren

Sebastian writes: 

It was the right question. When someone asked alto/soprano saxophonist Steve Wilson at the end of the gig whether he might be back in London some time to run a clinic or workshop, I simply thought: YES.

The Hampton, Virginia-born player does indeed form part of the mighty teaching faculty at Juilliard, but to hear his playing is surely also a masterclass in every aspect of saxophone playing. About the very basics: posture, stance and balance on the instrument (Melody McLaren’s photos show how consistent all that set-up is). About his focussed and richly communicative, dare one say ideal sound. But also about a clarity in phrasing and yet the most instinctive flexibility, cleverness and wiliness in the many ways of laying down jazz time. And a depth of jazz vocabulary… and starting up conversations and responding. In fact…

…rather than being talked about, he needs to be heard. e.g:

1) On video at Dizzy’s (HERE) – starting busily at 0:54 and more sparsely at 28:30

2) On a rather wonderful duo CD with Bruce Barth from 2010 entitled Home – Live in Columbia Missouri  (LINK)

Bruce Barth, Steve Wilson Photo credit: Melody McLaren

Mark Hodgson, Stephen Keogh Photo credit: Melody McLaren

L-R: Bruce Barth, Steve Wilson, Mark Hodgson, Stephen Keogh Photo credit: Melody McLaren