Wilbur Whitta quartet feat. Will Vinson – 2nd attempt! – Tuesday, 29th of August 2023:
Not every gig goes to plan, but this one surely will! 2nd time lucky?
Wilbur Whitta returns to Foundry616 off the back of his recent successful quartet performance, this time featuring world-renowned saxophonist Will Vinson.
Mostly known through his primary occupation as Sydney’s premier background jazz organist, Wilbur has quietly been building a name for himself as a pianist and composer. Originally from Canberra, Wilbur has performed extensively around Australia, the UK, Europe, and Japan. 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.
The gig will feature special guest – and one of the world’s leading saxophonists – Will Vinson. 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. The band will perform a selection of Wilbur’s originals, alongside a mix of some of their favourite songs.
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
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
