Wil Blades - Hailey Niswanger

Thu, Feb 05

TICKETS $30 | ALL AGES Wil Blades No less a jazz organ authority than the legendary Dr. Lonnie Smith has called Wil Blades “the future,” anointing him the heir apparent to “carry on the legend and the legacy of the organ, of the B-3.” Over the past twenty plus years, Blades has grown to be one of the most in-demand Hammond organ players, achieving international recognition. He is known for his innovative approach to the Hammond organ, utilizing effects and modern techniques to expand the instrument's capabilities, while his energetic live performances have earned him a dedicated following. In 2017, he won Downbeat Magazine’s “Rising Star” critic’s poll for organ, after being nominated every year since 2006. Blades has performed and recorded with a who’s who of legendary musicians including John Lee Hooker, John Scofield, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nicholas Payton, Idris Muhammad, Charlie Hunter, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Terrace Martin, Melvin Sparks, Joe Louis Walker, Donald Harrison Jr, Karl Denson, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore and many more. His solo records ‘Sketchy’ and ‘Field Notes’, as well as his collaborative projects with Billy Martin, Amendola Vs. Blades and Charlie Hunter have all received acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Hailey Niswanger Saxophonist and composer, Hailey Niswanger (pronounced “NICE–wonger”), graduated in December of 2011 with a B.A. in Jazz Performance from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, on a full scholarship. Born February 12, 1990 in Houston, Hailey grew up in Portland, Oregon, and now currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, after spending 7 years in Brooklyn, New York. Hailey has shared the stage with Esperanza Spalding, Terri Lyne Carrington, Harvey Mason, Mike Clark, Michael Wolff, Ralph Peterson Jr., and other jazz greats. Hailey has been listed among the DownBeat critics poll for rising star on alto and soprano saxophone for the past nine consecutive years. Her self-produced and self-released recording debut as a leader, Confeddie, (2009) established her throughout North America. Hailey demonstrates even greater virtuosity on her horns—alto and soprano saxophones—and deeper grounding in tradition with her second release, The Keeper, (2012). She showcases her original compositions which reflect her abiding affinity for the bop and post-bop genres of jazz and profound respect for her mentors. Her third release, PDX Soul, (2015) was featured on NPR. Hailey also recorded flute on Terri Lyne Carrington's GRAMMY award winning album, The Mosaic Project, as well as on GRAMMY award winning song ‘Black Parade’ by Beyonce.