| Kalil Wilson | |
|---|---|
Kalil Wilson at West, Brentwood, Ca |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | October 8, 1981 |
| Origin | Oakland, California |
| Genres | jazz soul classical r&b |
| Occupations | musician, singer, voice teacher |
| Instruments | voice |
| Years active | 1995 - present |
| Website | www.KalilWilson.com |
Kalil Amar Wilson (born October 8, 1981) is an American jazz, R&B, and classical vocalist and vocal coach.
Wilson was born in Oakland, California and attended the Oakland Youth Chorus, and UC Berkeley's Young Musicians Program, before moving to Los Angeles in 2000 to attend UCLA.[1] In 2006 he received his B.A. in ethnomusicology, earning magna cum laude honors, and being named the distinguished ethnomusicology student of the year. Jazz guitar legend Kenny Burrell has said of Wilson, "A very special young talent with a unique sound that crosses through genres. I look forward to watching his successful career."
Contents |
Wilson has performed lead tenor roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic,[2] Los Angeles Opera,[3] Walt Disney Concert Hall,[4] the California Philharmonic,[5] the Getty Museum and UCLA Live at Royce Hall. In 2008, Kalil competed in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions on the Met stage in New York, after receiving first place in the preliminary Western regional auditions.[1] Kalil spent the summers of 2005 and 2006 on fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival and School, in his final summer, performing the title role in Britten's Albert Herring. The Aspen Times reported, "Wilson brought a silken tenor sound and an engaging and often funny stage presence.[6]" Wilson has appeared numerous times with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Michael Morgan. Wilson currently specializes in Baroque and 20th century classical repertoire. Renée Fleming has said, "Kalil makes me cry."( Fleming's masterclass w/ Wilson on YouTube)
In 2006, after being introduced to renowned vocal coach, Seth Riggs, Wilson began to extend his efforts into jazz, R&B, and other contemporary vocal genres; Kalil also began his career in vocal instruction under the mentorship of Mr. Riggs. That year, Wilson was selected as a finalist in the first annual Jose Iturbi International Vocal Competition.[7] During the competition, Wilson met and began work with an accompanist, UCLA pianist Berkeley Everett; following the competition, they continued their collaboration. In 2007, Wilson and Everett began work on a full-length debut album devoted to the American Songbook.
Kalil's journey into popular music is rooted in his family story. His father is Nigerian bassist Babá Ken Okulolo. In 2006, Wilson began headlining at various West Coast jazz venues and festivals, including the Jazz Bakery,[8] The Central Avenue Jazz Festival,[9] Jazz Reggae Festival,[10] and Yoshi's.[11] In July 2009, Wilson performed with his mentor, Kenny Burrell, on stage at Los Angeles's Catalina Jazz club.
In March 2010, Kalil made his European performance debut at La Sala Apolo, in Barcelona with the Barcelona Jazz Orchestra. That same year, Wilson was selected to compete in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocalist Competition, in Washington DC.
Kalil Wilson performed a duet with guitarist Carlos Santana at the Oakland East Bay Symphony´s November 2010 season opening concert.[12] In 2011 Kalil joined Omara Portuondo and the Buena Vista Social Club at the L'Auditori in Barcelona as a special surprise guest.
Wilson's self-produced debut album, Easy to Love, was released in 2009. It has been critically praised, and received support from jazz radio stations like KKJZ 88.1 Los Angeles[13] and KCSM 91.1 San Francisco.
Writes Raul Da Gama Rosa, AllAboutJazz.com contributing editor:
"The days of the great male crooners are over…Until, it appears, Kalil Wilson came along. Here is a singer, a profoundly smokey tenor who is so singular and naturally expressive that his voice appears biologically connected to ‘living breath.’ His phrasing, dynamics and expression are sublime, effortless and otherworldly. Wilson is heard on Easy to Love, a debut of bottomless depth and grandeur. But it's also self-effacing and completely lacking in the grandstanding that some vocalists might resort to today, in order to be heard and appreciated. His deeply personal interpretation and polished delivery make this an exquisite and priceless debut record.[14]" - AllAboutJazz.com
Track listing: