Will Vinson, an alto saxophonist/composer originally from London, moved to New York City as a composer in 1999. He has recorded and/or appeared with Kurt Rosenwinkel and Ari Hoenig, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Gilmore, Kurt Elling and Lage Lund, as well as many other musicians. Will is a member a number of top ensembles including the Quartet of pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba (where he appears on Charlie and The Grammy-nominated Caminos), Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop and Nonet (Will also appears on Inversations and Bert’s Playground and live at Smalls), Miguel Zenon’s Identities Orchestra, which was Grammy-nominated for Identities Are Changeable), and his own groups that include Jeff Ballard and Shai Maestro, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenwinkel as well as well as well, Shai Maestro, Shai and Mike Moreno, Shai Maestro, Shai, Shai, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosengeschäftsestro, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenwinkel, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Kurt Rosenblick über Weil advised back und Will in out He formed the critically-acclaimed OWL Trio in 2012 with Orlando le Fleming, guitarist Lage Lund, and bassist Orlando Le Fleming. Their eponymous 2013 debut was well received by both critics and listeners. Downbeat stated that the album is a huge success and should be considered for debut of year honors. The music is a joy to listen to, and every word is beautiful and clear. All About Jazz also noted that the chemistry, sensitivity, and simpatico sensibilities displayed by these young men were evident at every turn ….OWL trio is one of those records which finds its power in quiet expression and not increased volume or aggression. Lund, Vinson, and le Fleming are an absorbing trio” Will is a respected leader and sideman. All About Jazz New York describes Will’s playing as “a relentless force.” Thomas Michelsen, Denmark’s Politiken, praises Will as a “very exciting saxophonist with a beautiful, softly modulating tonal tone”. John Fordham, The Guardian, described Will as a “superb solo with rugged leathery sounds changing into mellifluous high note with “secure control” and “storming energy”. Time Out London describes Will as an “exciting young altoist who has a unique approach to soloing and writing.” Will has produced 6 CDs as a leader/composer. It’s for You (Sirocco Jazz 2004) was described by “combining a thoughtful originality in conception with energy, fluidity of execution and very satisfying proportions” (Jazzwise Magazine). Will’s second CD Promises (NineteenEight Records) was called “impressive” as well as “coolly restrained” from Nate Chinen, New York Times. Two CDs were released in 2010. The World (Through My Shoes) was a live recording that Downbeat described as “marvelous” and Jazz Times called it “exhilarating… outstanding”. In September 2010, Stockholm Syndrome (Criss cross) was released. Live at Smalls was released in 2013, one of the best albums on the Smalls Live label. 2016 saw Will’s debut album for 5Passion, Perfectly Out of Place. It featured an all-star lineup: Mike Moreno on guitar and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Matt Penman, Jeff Ballard, on bass, and Matt Penman, on piano. The album has received rave reviews. All About Jazz describes it as “a marvel in compositional design and textural beauty and musicality”, Downbeat praises it for its “incredible original compositions” and Jazzwise calls them “heart-stopping”. Sterophile Magazine proclaims Will to be “one of the most outstanding alto saxophonists of Jazz”. Will has performed with his own band and as a sideman throughout the USA, Canada and the UK. He also appeared in Japan, Sweden, Denmark and France. His musical experiences are not limited to Jazz. Will is part of Rufus Wainwright’s band that toured for 10 consecutive months in 2007/8. He has performed, arranged, and/or recorded with Sufjan Stephens, Martha Wainwright and Beth Orton. Will’s saxophone playing displays incredible power and dramatic sensitivity. He is also known for his impossibly loud sound and technique. Although he is heavily influenced by the great saxophonists Chris Potter to Cannonball, he still brings his own unique approach every performance. Will’s writing and that of his co-players combine a deep respect for jazz history with explorations into contemporary rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic forms. Visit www.willvinson.com
