Steve Wilson, professor of jazz studies at CCNY and one of finest saxophonists in the business. He will record a live CD May 19 at the Village Vanguard in Manhattan.
Steve Wilson is acclaimed as one of the finest saxophonists in the business. Now he is back at The City College of New York helping enhance the music department's jazz curriculum. Simultaneously, his illustrious career continues full clip with one CD wrapped up and live recording of another scheduled May 19 at the Village Vanguard.
"This is a great opportunity to be involved with the music program at City College and I'm here for the long haul," said the award-winning alto and soprano saxophonist, who gave private lessons at CCNY in the late 90s.
Hired last fall as professor of jazz studies, he has been imparting his vast knowledge to the College's graduate jazz ensemble as well as teaching the graduate jazz theory class and undergraduate jazz repertory and performance practice. Although he has taught previously at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard, this is his first full-time tenure-track position in higher education.
"Before I was an adjunct at several schools simultaneously but now I'm able to concentrate on City College alone," said Professor Wilson.
Dr. Stephen Jablonsky, chair of the City College music department, called Professor Wilson a "musical magician. He does things with his saxophone that seem to defy gravity. City College is most fortunate to have snared the services of a master player and teacher who is already much beloved by students and colleagues."
When he is not teaching, Professor Wilson actively tours and records. In March, he and his long-time collaborator, drummer Lewis Nash, completed work on a duo album at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild in Pittsburgh. On May 19, he is set to record what critics expect to be a career-defining album titled "Live at the Village Vanguard."
About The City College of New York
Since 1847, The City College of New York has provided low-cost, high-quality education for New Yorkers in a wide variety of disciplines. More than 16,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture; the School of Education; the Grove School of Engineering; the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, and the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. U.S. News, Princeton Review and Forbes all rank City College among the best colleges and universities in the United States.