The University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble is the most competitive of the University’s jazz ensembles. Open by audition only, most seats are filled by majors within the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation.

Ellen Rowe, conductor
Kris Johnson, trumpet
Steve Wilson, saxophone

ABOUT THE GUEST ARTIST

STEVE WILSON has attained ubiquitous status in the studio and on the stage with the greatest names in jazz. A bandleader in his own right, Jazz Times calls him “the consummate saxophonist-composer and “one of the finest alto and soprano saxophonists of our time.” A musician’s musician, Wilson has brought his distinctive sound to more than 175 recordings led by such celebrated and wide-ranging artists as Chick Corea, Christian McBride, George Duke, Michael Brecker, Dave Holland, Dianne Reeves, Bill Bruford, Gerald Wilson, Maria Schneider, Joe Henderson, Charlie Byrd, Billy Childs, Karrin Allyson, Don Byron, Bill Stewart, James Williams, and Mulgrew Miller among many others. Wilson has nine recordings under his own name, leading and collaborating with a list of who’s who in jazz.