User:BeenzMalloy/Kalil Wilson

Kalil Wilson is an American jazz, R&B, and classical singer, and vocal coach. Kalil was born in Oakland, California. Kalil attended the Oakland Youth Chorus, and UC Berkeley's Young Musicians Program, before moving to Los Angeles in 2000 to attend UCLA. In 2006 Kalil received his his B.A. in ethnomusicology, earning magna cum laude honors, and being named the distinguished ethnomusicology student of the year. Jazz guitar legend Kenny Burrell has said of Kalil, "A very special young talent with a unique sound that crosses through genres. I look forward to watching his successful career."

Classical Career
Kalil has performed lead tenor roles with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera , Walt Disney Concert Hall , the California Philharmonic , the Getty Museum and UCLA Live at Royce Hall. In 2008, Kalil competed in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions on the Met stage in New York, after receiving first place in the preliminary Western regional auditions. Kalil spent the summers of 2005 and 2006 on fellowship the Aspen Music Festival and School, in his final summer, performing the title role in Britten's Albert Herring. Of Kalil, Harvey Steiman of the Aspen Times said, "Ready for the big time, Kalil Wilson brought a silken tenor sound and an engaging and often funny stage presence ." Kalil has appeared numerous times with the Oakland East Bay Symphony, under the direction of Maestro Michael Morgan. Kalil currently specializes in Baroque and 20th century classical repertoire.

In 2006, after being introduced to renowned vocal coach, Seth Riggs, Kalil began to branch out into jazz, R&B, and other contemporary vocal genres. Under the mentorship or Seth Riggs, Kalil also began his career in vocal instruction. That year, Kalil was selected as a finalist in the first annual Jose Iturbi International Vocal Competition. During the competition Kalil met and worked with his accompanist, UCLA pianist Berkeley Everett and they continued to collaborate, after the competition. In 2007, Wilson and Everett began work on a debut jazz album devoted to the American Songbook.

Jazz, Soul, R&B
Since 2006, Kalil has performed at West Coast jazz venues and festivals, including the Jazz Bakery , The Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Jazz Reggae Festival and Yoshi's. In July 2009, Kalil performed with his mentor, Kenny Burrell, on stage at L.A.'s prestigious Catalina Jazz club.

Easy to Love
Wilson’s self produced debut album, Easy to Love, was released in 2009, and has been met with critical acclaim and support from radio stations like KKJZ 88.1 Los Angeles and KCSM 91.1 San Francisco.

Writes Raul Da Gama Rosa, AllAboutJazz.com contributing editor,

“The days of the great male crooners are over…Until, it appears, Kalil Wilson came along. Here is a singer, a profoundly smokey tenor who is so singular and naturally expressive that his voice appears biologically connected to ‘living breath.’ His phrasing, dynamics and expression are sublime, effortless and otherworldly.

Wilson is heard on Easy to Love, a debut of bottomless depth and grandeur. But it’s also self-effacing and completely lacking in the grandstanding that some vocalists might resort to today, in order to be heard and appreciated. His deeply personal interpretation and polished delivery make this an exquisite and priceless debut record. ” - AllAboutJazz.com

Tracklisting:
 * 1) Day by Day
 * 2) I Concentrate on You
 * 3) You've Changed
 * 4) Nature Boy
 * 5) I Cried for You
 * 6) Easy Living
 * 7) Stardust
 * 8) I'm in the Mood for Love
 * 9) Then I'll be Tired of You
 * 10) I Only Have Eyes for You
 * 11) Do You Know Why?
 * 12) If I Could Be With You
 * 13) If It's Magic
 * 14) A Song for You
 * 15) Just for Grandma Jo