Biography
Sarah Wilson is a multifaceted American trumpeter, vocalist, and composer, born and raised in Healdsburg, California. Her early musical influences stemmed from her mother's love of 1970s singer-songwriters, which laid the foundation for her eclectic approach to music[1]. Initially drawn to anthropology and theater at UC Berkeley, Wilson's creative journey took a pivotal turn when she joined Vermont’s Bread and Puppet Theater, where she wrote and conducted music for their productions and rekindled her passion for the trumpet[3].
In 1993, Wilson moved to New York City to focus on music, immersing herself in the city's vibrant jazz scene while also serving as music director for Lincoln Center’s annual puppet program[3]. Her career has been marked by a dynamic interplay between jazz, avant-pop, Afro-Latin grooves, and indie rock, as well as collaborations with dance, theater, and film[2][4]. Wilson’s discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as 'Trapeze Project' (2010) and 'Kaleidoscope' (2021), both released on Brass Tonic Records and featuring top improvisers like Myra Melford, Matt Wilson, Charles Burnham, Jerome Harris, and John Schott[2][4].
After relocating to the Bay Area in 2005, Wilson became deeply involved in community-based arts projects, including 'Tenderloin Voices,' a vocal music production working with formerly shelterless youth[2]. Her innovative compositions and interdisciplinary collaborations have earned her numerous commissions and residencies, establishing her as one of the most intriguing and promising composers and trumpeters on the contemporary music scene[2][4].
Fun Facts
- Sarah Wilson began her artistic career as a puppeteer before focusing on jazz, working with Vermont’s Bread and Puppet Theater[3].
- Her first public vocal performance was under the pseudonym 'Amanda Roberts,' complete with a disguise, due to her uncertainty about singing[1].
- Wilson has worked as a museum exhibit designer, notably at the Tenderloin Museum in San Francisco, curating oral histories of jazz venues[1].
- She has created interdisciplinary productions combining music and aerial dance, such as 'Off the Walls' with LA-based dance company Catch Me Bird[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- John McNeil - Trumpet teacher and stylistic influence during her time in New York City (Trumpet method studies) [1990s]
- Laurie Frink - Trumpet teacher and technical mentor, co-author of a trumpet method book (Trumpet method studies) [1990s]
- Carla Bley - Inspirational composer; Wilson wrote a piece about Bley after seeing her perform at the Knitting Factory (Piece on 'Kaleidoscope' album) [2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Myra Melford - Pianist on multiple albums and live performances (Trapeze Project (2010), Kaleidoscope (2021)) [2010s–2020s]
- Matt Wilson - Drummer on studio recordings (Kaleidoscope (2021)) [2021]
- Charles Burnham - Violinist on studio recordings (Kaleidoscope (2021)) [2021]
- Jerome Harris - Bassist on studio recordings (Trapeze Project (2010), Kaleidoscope (2021)) [2010s–2021]
- John Schott - Guitarist on studio recordings (Kaleidoscope (2021)) [2021]
- Ben Goldberg - Clarinetist on studio recordings (Trapeze Project (2010)) [2010]
- Scott Amendola - Drummer on studio recordings (Trapeze Project (2010)) [2010]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Incandescence | 2025-07-18 | Album |
| Kaleidoscope | 2021-07-16 | Album |
| Kaleidoscope | 2021-07-16 | Album |
| Trapeze Project | 2010-09-10 | Album |
| Music for an Imaginary Play | 2006-08-15 | Album |
| Music for an Imaginary Play | 2006-06-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Architecture in Space (Incandescence)
- Incandescence (Incandescence)
- Music Appears to Stand Still (Incandescence)
- Aspiration (Kaleidoscope)
- Presence (Kaleidoscope)
- Young Woman (Kaleidoscope)
- Color (Kaleidoscope)
- Kaleidoscope (Kaleidoscope)
- Felta Road (Kaleidoscope)
- Quiet Rust (Kaleidoscope)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Sarah Wilson has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | 06:05 | Love Will Tear Us Apartfrom Trapeze Project | The Morning Setw/ Scott Borne |