Julien Wilson Trio
One of the most gifted and individual saxophonists in Australian jazz, Julien Wilson explores original melodies in this very special trio with Stephen Magnusson (guitar) and Stephen Grant (accordion). Formed in 2004, the Julien Wilson Trio's first performances at Sydney's JazzNow Festival and Melbourne's Half Bent Winter Jazz Festival received glowing reviews in the Australian press. At the end of 2006 they undertook a three week European tour which started with two shows at the Berlin Jazz Festival.
They have mesmerized audiences with their intimacy and special magic, having performed at major venues in Australia such as the Sydney Opera House and the National Gallery of Victoria. They have also been featured at many of Australia's premier festivals including the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Wangaratta and Eltham Jazz Festivals, and the Queensland and Queenscliff Music Festivals.
The Trio are featured on two albums, Julien Wilson, Trio-Live (2007) and while you were sleeping (2006) which was a finalist for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, Best Australian Jazz Composition and an Australian Record Industry Award (ARIA). They have also released a DVD live at the BMW edge, and were featured on ABC FM's 'Jazztrack' 30th Anniversary concert.
Julien has stood out as an exceptional talent since winning the National Jazz Award in 1994. Since then he has recorded and performed with Mike Nock, Jim Black, Bob Moses, The Artie Shaw Orchestra, The Australian Art Orchestra, Hugh Masekala, Palle Mikelborg, Paul Grabowsky, Ishish, Josh Roseman and Andy Milne as well as with popular Australian rock bands and solo artists such as Archie Roach, Shane Howard, Thirsty Merc, Daddy Cool and Augie March.
He has done some of his very best work in the company of Stephen Magnusson, notably in the Swiss based band Snag, and the Assumptions trio with drummer Will Guthrie. In 2007 Wilson and Magnusson recorded an album of originals in New York with Jim Black, Mark Helias and Barney McAll.
Stephen Magnusson is one of the most accomplished and distinctive musicians in Australia. He is a passionate and imaginative improviser who has recorded with the cream of Australia's contemporary jazz talents.
Stephen Grant is also an exceptionally gifted and versatile musician: on cornet, trombone, bass, piano, saxophone, accordion, violin and tuba. He has worked with artists as diverse as Alan Browne, Niko Schauble, Ralph Sutton, Vince Jones, Tom Baker, The Society Syncopators, Judy Carmichael, Paul Grabowsky and The Australian Art Orchestra.
