Stan Getz, Kenny Garrett, Cannonball Adderly, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Charlie Parker, Johnny Hodges, Miles Davis, Ben Folds, Bela Fleck, Alison Krauss, Billy Corgan, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Norah Jones, Bill Evans, Nickel Creek, Herbie Hancock, George Gershwin, Frederic Chopin, Sergie Rachmaninov, John Cage, Claude Debussy, Johannes Brahms, Queen, The Police, Morten Lauridsen, Dragan Dautovski, Vlatko Stefanovski, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Jack Johnson, Coldplay...
Sounds Like
“Dave is one of the great talents in the new generation of horn players. He plays with great feeling, an adept sense of timing, and brilliant tonal control. Musically, it's always a genuine thrill to work together.”
~James Tormé
"Working with Dave is great! He is a consumate professional whose real passion shows in his playing. He has superb technique, yet his musicality and artistry are what shines most for me."
~Mark Vogel, Television/Film Composer
(Full House, Raising Helen, Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place)
“…sounds great…and he plays anything he can get his hands on!”
~Engelbert Humperdinck
“While most musicians struggle to be proficient on a single instrument, Dave Wilson's technique and musicianship extend to the saxophone, flute, piano and clarinet—and he sounds amazing on all of them! In fact, it doesn't matter what kind of instrumentation I choose for my arrangements—Dave's probably got it covered.
"His sound and technique are impeccable but, more importantly, he knows how to play tastefully—placing the emphasis not just on the notes he's playing, but on the song as a whole. As a vocalist and a songwriter, I know that that kind of musicianship is a rare find."
Dave Wilson is a complete musician whose experience has made him one of the top emerging players on the LA music scene. A Chicago native, he got his start studying Suzuki piano study at age 4. Before long, he picked up the saxophone (as well as flute and clarinet) and began to garner national attention, winning student music awards from DownBeat Magazine, recognition by the Grammy organization, and praise from Howard Reich, the Chicago Tribune jazz critic.
From Chicago, Dave’s journeys have taken him to Indiana University (where he studied under jazz pedagogue David Baker), a two-year stint in Eastern Europe, and now to Los Angeles, where he is currently based. The influences that these environments brought on—straight-ahead jazz, Balkan folk music, and rock/pop music—are seamlessly interwoven throughout Dave’s playing and writing. Along the way he has performed in venues from the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall, from the Viper Room in L.A. to the Nardis Jazz Club in Istanbul. Now that he is in L.A., his presence on the music scene is becoming a staple. He has recently been heard on the recordings and/or live performances of Engelbert Humperdinck, James Tormé, Jessica Fichot, Tova, Sabrina Sloan, Chris Duran, Stevie Scott, and Matt Jordan.
His ear for melody, his experience with the music of many cultures, and his drive for excellence in every musical encounter have made Dave a versatile multi-instrumentalist and a dynamic force on the music landscape.
Dave’s latest compositions are always posted on this page, along with some of his past recording projects. Take some time and check it out!
Keep your eyes open for Dave’s saxophone album coming this year….and feel free to send a friend request or post a comment!
Dave! It's been too long. I hope all is well. I've got a new EP coming out in April and have 2 songs on my page from the new record. Let me know what you think man! -Michael
Hey buddy, hope you got my message. We were outta town for the gig & party. Snowboarding at Mammoth. Looks like your keeping busy. Congrats on the disc, again. Give me a call for a hang.
Hey Dave! Just saw on your bulletin that you're playing at Molly Malones! I love that place! I wish I could be there to hear you. Congrats and have fun!
U23D AMAZING! U MUST SEE IT! I'M GONNA GO AGAIN! I hope that you are having a Fantastic February. Thanks for all your support. I really appreciate it. And it's always nice to hear from you! Go Get Em!
Hey Dave, hope the CD release concert went swimmingly! Did you make it out to see another Dave (Barnes) last Friday? It was SUCH a great show! Take care, have a great night -- Sereyna
DAVE! So fun last night..you should do again soon..(get all your friends in one room and play some music)! And when you do let me know and I'll be there to support!
great to see you dave. Hope you're well. Hey if you're free the 7th of February I'll be having a gallery opening (restaurant style) at Breadbar on thursday, 6pm. There are about 5 paintings of mine up. Peace Dave.
Hi Dave! Thanks so much for your friendship & support! I just wanted to let you know that my new e.p. “Paper Box” is available now on itunes. Drop me a line and let me know how you’re doing! Visit http://www.tunecore.com/music/gayleskidmore for a link to my itunes site. Cheers! Gayle Skidmore