Vocalist Kalil Wilson and frequent collaborator pianist Javier Santiago will present an evening of re-imagined signature tunes by two jazz icons in celebration of Black History Month.
Artist/Group Bio(s)
Listening to Oakland-born Kalil Wilson sing jazz favorites, soulful ballads, lush originals, and even operatic arias, you might start to wonder: is this the same voice? From the Metropolitan Opera to Walt Disney Hall, throughout Europe and the U.S., Kalil Wilson has captivated audiences and music critics alike with his vocal prowess and versatility. After earning a degree in ethnomusicology and vocal performance at UCLA, his musical heart called him to commit to jazz singing. That pursuit has taken him far, having shared stages with luminaries like Kenny Burrell, Carlos Santana, Esperanza Spaulding, and Omara Portuondo. His bright re-imaginings of jazz standards and originals bow to the rich history of great jazz singing while melding seamlessly with his heartfelt, eclectic stylings. While he's home in the Bay Area, jazz lovers have the chance to be stirred by his unique interpretations and amazing, velvety voice....
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Vocalist Kalil Wilson and frequent collaborator pianist Javier Santiago will present an evening of re-imagined signature tunes by two jazz icons in celebration of Black History Month.
Artist/Group Bio(s)
Listening to Oakland-born Kalil Wilson sing jazz favorites, soulful ballads, lush originals, and even operatic arias, you might start to wonder: is this the same voice? From the Metropolitan Opera to Walt Disney Hall, throughout Europe and the U.S., Kalil Wilson has captivated audiences and music critics alike with his vocal prowess and versatility. After earning a degree in ethnomusicology and vocal performance at UCLA, his musical heart called him to commit to jazz singing. That pursuit has taken him far, having shared stages with luminaries like Kenny Burrell, Carlos Santana, Esperanza Spaulding, and Omara Portuondo. His bright re-imaginings of jazz standards and originals bow to the rich history of great jazz singing while melding seamlessly with his heartfelt, eclectic stylings. While he's home in the Bay Area, jazz lovers have the chance to be stirred by his unique interpretations and amazing, velvety voice.
PIANIST JAVIER SANTIAGO is one of the hottest and most in-demand young pianists in the Bay Area and has played with some of the top rising stars in the international jazz scene. Santiago’s debut album, Phoenix (2018), was named the “#1 Jazz Album of the Year” by Vinyl Me, Please. The album features Nicholas Payton, Dayna Stephens, Nir Felder, and John Raymond. Javier has become a notable force in both the beat and hip-hop scene as well as the jazz world. In addition to being a pianist, Santiago is also an accomplished educator, arranger and producer. He is an alumnus of The Brubeck Institute Fellowship Program, The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in NYC, a finalist in the 2015 American Jazz Pianist competition, and a recipient of the 2016 McKnight Fellowship for Musicians. He was also selected to participate in the 14th Annual Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2011.
BASSIST GIULIO XAVIER CETTO is a rising star on the national and international music scene, skilled in both acoustic and electric styles. Raised in a musical family, he has been playing music all his life. He has toured extensively with bands across the world, from San Francisco to Saint Petersburg, moving audiences with a tasteful mix of soulful and studied chops.
DRUMMER GENIUS WESLEY has been hailed as a prodigy jazz drummer and percussionist. At age 17, he has already performed with luminaries including Bill Bell, Geechi Taylor, Howard Wiley, The Dynamic Miss Faye Carole, Marcus Shelby, and Kalil Wilson. He performs regularly and coaches youth players with the late Khalil Shaheed's Oaktown Jazz Workshop and the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra. He resides in southwest Berkeley, in a home his family has owned for generations.
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