Jam Session With Thad Wilson

Trumpeter Thad Wilson dropped into the music department today and jammed with the students and faculty. Influenced by Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Freddie Hubbard, Wilson shared his motivation, inspiration, and the love for jazz. Highlights were “Freddie Freeloader” and “Autumn Leaves,” in which he played with the students. Wilson was such a humble, down-to-earth individual that his encouragement gave the students both comfort and confidence to play with him. After performing a piece, he would explain to the audience, which were mostly students, what just went on including rhythmic patterns, comps, improvisations, and interactions. I stayed until the end of the session today. It was a good way to start a long weekend. No work on President Day.