A year of jazz in the south

Press, 3 July 1985, Page 19

A year of jazz in the south

Jazz South celebrates its first birthday with a concert this Sunday by a young American guitarist, James Wilson. Mr Wilson’s music combines elements of classical, jazz, Latin and folk music. He was raised in California, the son of a symphony conductor and a choir director. His sister is a professional folk singer. His formal training enSassed classical guitar is in the United states and Spain. He obtained a bachelor of arts degree in guitar and composition. The degree was from Portland State University where he studied with Brian Johanson and Thomas Svoboda.

Throughout his training Mr Wilson worked as an improvising soloist, creating a repertoire of compositions and arrangements in contemporary jazz and Brazilian styles. He has performed in concerts and clubs in California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii. His recording “Solo Flight” was released in 1981. The following year he and his wife settled in France where he has performed in concerts and on radio and television. Last year the guitarist performed a 10 country series in Africa and the Middle East sponsored by the United States Informa-

tion Service. He played more than 50 concerts, television and radio shows and

workshops In seven weeks. He performed with two noted Arab musicians, violinist Ahnad Al Hefnawi and ganoon virtuoso Abdelfattah Mansi In Qatar and for the Cabinet in Sierra Leone. He has an album of his compositions due for release later this year. Mr Wilson’s visit is sponsored by the United States Embassy. His concert in the Limes Room of the Christchurch Town Hall begins at 8 p.m. on July 7. Jazz South began in June last year with a concert at the Court Theatre featuring Alan Broadbent’s Trio. Its aim is to provide jazz for Christchurch audiences. The subsequent concerts have been in association with the

Christchurch Town Hall and jazz artists have appeared there. Next month a return con-

cert by Alan Broadbent, Andy Brown and Frank Gibson, jun., will be played in the James Hay Theatre.