The Pines to host Thad Wilson Quartet May 4 in Rehoboth
True Blue Jazz will present the Thad Wilson Quartet Wednesday, May 4, for its second edition of First Wednesdays at The Top of The Pines in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and libations at The Pines. Show tickets are $25 per person general admission; purchase seats at truebluejazz.org.
Wilson has been a fixture on the vibrant Washington, D.C. jazz scene since his arrival in 1997. Studying trumpet since age 12, he earned a degree in music education from New Jersey City University. Further development and growth came through private study with Jimmy Owens, a former member of Dizzy Gillespie's Big Band.
With the launch of his professional career and eventually as a leader, Wilson's energetic, engaging approach unearths memories of Louis Armstrong. However, his music always reflects a personal style that blends progressive elements such as blues, funk, gospel and a touch of hip-hop.
The Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra became the only big band in the D.C. area to land a permanent residence at the esteemed One Step Down. Most recently, the band was housed at HR-57 Center for the Preservation of Jazz and Blues, recently named one of the world's top 100 jazz venues by Downbeat magazine. As a performer and leader on the jazz scene, Wilson has become an acclaimed fixture, performing alongside world-renowned artists such as George Benson, James Moody, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Vanessa Ruben and Roy Hargrove. He also performed with Senegalese artist Djimo Kouyate at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Millenium Stage. His worldwide appearances include Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia; Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, France; Antigua Music Festival; Atlanta Jazz Festival; New Orleans Jazz Festival; and Spoleto Music Festival in Charleston, S.C.
Wilson has recorded on the Savoy Jazz label along with many of his own releases. Current recordings include “Necessity Is A Mother,” “Naked Jazz Takes Off,” and “A Work in Progress.” In addition to composing, performing and recording, Wilson also continues to teach trumpet and jazz composing/arranging privately.
His quartet includes amazing jazz musicians Byron “Wookie” Landham on drums, Ameen Saleem on bass, and renowned pianist Aaron Graves. All three have extensive experience in the world of jazz, performing, recording, touring, serving as concert/theatrical music directors, and leading the all-important work as jazz educators.
