Thad Wilson

Thad Wilson (born August 21, 1965) is a composer, trumpeter, and Big Band leader.

Born in Wrightstown, New Jersey, and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, Studied the trumpet at age 12, and began arranging and composing at 18. MusicAL achievements include: All-American High School Music Award and participation in New Jersey's All State Jazz Ensemble. 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.

Projects include: 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.

Performed and/or recorded with: George Benson, James Moody, Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Henderson, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Vanessa Ruben, Roy Hargrove and Sean Jones.

Worldwide appearances include Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia; Paris, France; Mexico City, Antigua Music Festival; Atlanta, New Orleans,Charleston, South Carolina. Thad was also commissioned to compose and perform a four-hour suite entitled, “Reflections on Romare” at the National Gallery of Art's 2003 Romare Bearden exhibition.

Recordings include: Savoy Jazz [...] Jazz Takes Off, Necessity Is A Mother, and A Work in Progress. In addition to composing, performing and recording, Thad also continues to teach trumpet and Jazz arranging and composing.