Abram Wilson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abram Wilson
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Nathaniel Facey and Wilson
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| Born | August 30, 1973 Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | June 9, 2012 (aged 38) London, England
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| Education | O Perry Walker High School; New Orleans Center for Creative Arts |
| Alma mater | Ohio Wesleyan University; Eastman School of Music |
| Spouse(s) |
Jennie Cashman WIlson (m. 2012)
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| Musical career | |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Jazz trumpeter and vocalist |
Abram Wilson (born August 30, 1973 – died June 9, 2012) was a talented American jazz trumpeter and singer. He grew up in New Orleans, USA, and later lived in London, England. Besides performing, he also shared his love for music by teaching in schools.
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Abram Wilson's Early Life
Abram Wilson was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. His parents were Willie C. Wilson Jr and Doris. He had four brothers and one sister. Abram started playing the trumpet when he was nine years old.
He went to O Perry Walker High School in Louisiana. Later, he studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). There, he learned from amazing teachers like Clyde Kerr Jr and Ronald Benko.
College and Music Studies
At age 17, Abram earned a music scholarship. He attended Ohio Wesleyan University. He studied classical trumpet with Larry Griffin. He earned a bachelor's degree in music education.
After that, he got his master's degree. This was from the famous Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. He focused on jazz performance and composition. He also studied classical trumpet there.
Abram Wilson's Music Career
After finishing his studies, Abram moved to New York. He started his own group, the Abram Wilson Quintet. He also played with the Roy Hargrove Big Band. He performed with rhythm and blues legend Ruth Brown. He even appeared on her 1999 album, Good Day for the Blues.
Moving to London and New Albums
In 2002, Abram moved to London. He played with the Julian Joseph Big Band. In 2003, he signed with Dune Records. This record label worked with many British jazz artists. He often performed with other musicians from the label. He also led his own bands.
From mid-2004, Abram taught music. He worked at a secondary school in Walthamstow, London. He taught there for a year. This helped him focus more on his performing and recording career.
In October 2004, Abram released his first solo album. It was called Jazz Warrior. Critics loved it! He then got a special request from the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. They asked him to create a new, longer piece of music. This new work was called Ride! – Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta. It was released in April 2007. Abram left Dune Records in late 2011.
Other Projects and Collaborations
Around the same time, Abram joined Jazz Jamaica. He performed live with them. He also appeared on their 2005 album, Motorcity Roots.
In 2005, Abram won an award. He took first prize in the jazz category. This was at the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, Tennessee. He won for his song called "Monk".
His later project was Roll Jordan Roll. This was a tribute to the Fisk Jubilee Singers. In 2007, he worked with gospel singer Nicky Brown. He also worked with gospel historian Viv Broughton. Before he passed away, Abram was working on a project. It was about the life of American pianist Philippa Schuyler.
Abram Wilson passed away on June 9, 2012, at age 38. He had married his long-time partner, Jennie, the day before.
Awards and Honors
Abram Wilson received several awards and nominations for his amazing music:
- International Songwriting Competition, Best Jazz Composition 2005
- British Jazz Awards, Best New CD 2007
- BBC Jazz Award – Best Band 2005 (Nominated)
- MOBO Award – Best Jazz Act 2005 & 2007 (Nominated)
- BBC Jazz Award – Best Album 2007 (Nominated)
- BBC Jazz Award – Heart of Jazz 2007 (Nominated)
Discography
Here are some of the albums Abram Wilson recorded:
As a Leader
- Soul Vibe (2000, Bleekstar Records)
- Jazz Warrior (2005, Dune Records)
- Ride! – Ferris Wheel To The Modern Day Delta (2007, Dune Records)
- Life Paintings (2009, Dune Records)
As a Guest Musician
- Good Day for the Blues – Ruth Brown (1999, Bullseye Blues)
- Conversations With The Unseen – Soweto Kinch (2003, Dune Records)
- Let Freedom Ring! - Denys Baptiste (2003, Dune Records)
- Motorcity Roots – Jazz Jamaica (2005, Dune Records)
- A Life In The Day Of B19: Tales of the Tower Block – Soweto Kinch (2006, Dune Records)
