Thad Wilson Quartet

Doors open: 6:30pm

Show starts: 7:00pm

$15 in advance, $20 day of show

Masks and proof of vaccination required

Thad Wilson - trumpet

Federico Pena - piano

Michael Bowie - bass

Lenny Robinson - drums

Thad Wilson has been a  fixture on the vibrant Washington, DC jazz scene since his arrival in  1997. Born in Wrightstown, New Jersey, and raised in Montgomery,  Alabama, Thad has studied the trumpet since age 12, and began arranging  and composing at 18. His musical achievements at an early age, which  include the All-American High School Music Award and participation in  New Jersey's All State Jazz Ensemble, swayed him to pursue music as a  career. After majoring in Music Education at New Jersey City University,  Thad studied privately with Jimmy Owens, former member of Dizzy  Gillespie's Big Band, before launching his professional career.

As a leader, Thad's energetic and 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. Thad's eclectic ideas as a modern composer are brought to  life through his various projects: Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, his  16-piece big band; Inner Urge, a collaborative project; Kindred Soul,  his electric group; and Kako Se, an acoustic duo. The Thad Wilson Jazz  Orchestra became the only big band in the DC 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. Both  as a leader and performer on the jazz scene, Thad has become an  acclaimed fixture.

Thad has performed 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, South Carolina. Thad  was also invited to perform his original suite "Reflections on Romare"  at the National Gallery of Art's 2003 Romare Bearden exhibition opening  festivities.

Thad 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, Thad also continues to teach trumpet and jazz  composing/arranging privately.