Wilbur Whitta Quartet feat. Will Vinson – Tuesday, 20th of June 2023:
Mostly known through his primary occupation as Sydney’s premier background jazz organist, Wilbur Whitta has quietly been building a name for himself as a pianist and composer. Recently, he has appeared as a member of the legendary Australian jazz outfit “Ten Part Invention” and performed alongside ECM recording artist Kit Downes. He was selected as a finalist in the 2021 National Jazz Awards, and in 2019 (while living in London) won the UK-based Dankworth Jazz Composition Award. He currently leads his own band “Wildfire”, who have just recorded their debut album for ABC Jazz – to be released on the label soon.
This gig will feature special guest Will Vinson, one of the world’s leading alto saxophonists. Originally from London, Will has made his career in New York City and the world, appearing with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Jonathan Kreisberg, Marcus Gilmore, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others.
The quartet will be rounded out by two of Sydney’s finest, Jacques Emery on bass and James Waples on drums. Together the band will perform a selection of Wilbur’s originals, alongside a mix of some of their favourite songs.
Praise for Wilbur Whitta:
“He is prodigiously talented … I believe he will go on to become an important voice in the genre, both through his piano playing and through his compositions” – Kit Downes
“Wilbur Whitta is an exceptionally talented young pianist/composer who I expect will make a substantial contribution to Australian music in the years to come” – Mike Nock
Praise for Will Vinson:
“… a marvel of compositional design, textural beauty, and musicality” – All About Jazz
“Marvelous… drills a hole through [the music], boxing like a sprightly Olympic welterweight” – Downbeat
“Potent, big-toned alto saxophonist… exhilarating, cascading improvisations… Outstanding playing” – Jazz Times
