Wilson and Cables masterclass explores jazz as an art form
For world-renowned musicians Steve Wilson and George Cables, jazz is a limitless, ever-evolving world of spontaneous invention and unrestrained expression.
The pair led a masterclass Jan. 25 in the William & Mary Music Arts Center Concert Hall where they provided mentorship to members of the university’s Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo, performing alongside them for a public audience.
Wilson and Cables are the fourth visiting group of artists to visit campus as part of an inaugural Arts Masterclass series sponsored by the Charles Center in partnership with William & Mary’s Office of the Arts.
The series seeks to connect the campus community with first-rate performers from around the globe, catering to the unique variety of creative interests and identities that make up the student body.
“By having this caliber of artists, it really exposes students to deeper levels of expression,” said Executive & Artistic Director of the Arts Eric Despard.
“Students can ask questions directly to these artists and understand how their careers have developed. It shows them that the arts are a viable career choice, and a lot of people actually do make a living as performing artists,” Despard said.
Both Wilson and Cables are regarded as among the most talented and influential figures in modern jazz.
Wilson, an accomplished saxophonist and flautist, has brought his distinctive talent to more than 150 recordings and ensembles led by an array of acclaimed jazz performers, in addition to eight recordings
of his own. Passionate about musical education, he currently serves as Director of Jazz Studies and as an Associate Professor of Music at City College of New York.
Cables, a gifted pianist and composer, has also collaborated with a multitude of prominent voices in jazz including Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, and Woody Shaw. Known for his inventive composition style and novel interpretation of classical pieces, he remains a pioneering figure on the jazz scene.
Drawing from their decades of experience, Wilson and Cables imparted their wisdom on the members of the Jazz Ensemble, including two saxophonists, a trombonist, bassist, pianist, and drummer.
“Rhythm section: I’m going to concentrate on you first because I’m one of you guys,” Cables told the students on stage.
“You are the engine of the band," Cables said. "You have to get that attitude, make somebody tell you to be quiet. Rhythm is what makes the music come alive."
Wilson offered his own advice for the horn section.
“Playing is always fifty percent listening,” he explained. “The challenge is listening to each other while making sure you’re playing the correct chord changes and connecting everything in real time.”
The two musicians then joined the students in musical demonstrations, pausing periodically to provide mentoring, commentary, or a story about a legendary jazz musician they have played with over the past several decades.
“We forget that jazz was America’s dance music in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. That was our pop music, our dance music, and we still carry that legacy today,” Wilson said, “So we should always make sure our music has that feeling of bounce and buoyancy, because that’s the rhythmic element that helps keep it alive and fun.”
Victor Haskins, director of the W&M Jazz Ensemble, commented on the immense value of Wilson and Cables’ musical expertise for all involved in the masterclass.
"Both gentlemen provided valuable, pointed insights to the ensemble that helped to give the participating (and onlooking) students some ideas about how they can attain a higher level of performance as individuals and as a collective,” Haskins said.
Haskins added, “The students remarked during our first rehearsal that some of the insights provided by Wilson and Cables were new, and some were reiterations of lessons to which they have been exposed during rehearsals. Having the privilege to receive both natures of new information is a blessing.”
He also noted the professionals’ inspirational presence both on and off stage.
"Besides giving a fantastic concert, Steve Wilson and George Cables are delightful human beings and were a pleasure to host. What an inspiring way to kick off the new year,” said Haskins.
In the latter portion of the masterclass, Wilson and Cables opened the floor for questions. One audience member asked what advice they had for young musicians looking to enter the music industry.
Wilson urged young musicians to seek their inspiration not from the prospect of fame, but from a deep-rooted passion and love for musical creativity.
“Being an artist of any discipline is a marathon, not a sprint,” Wilson said. “Fame recognition will come and go, so one should not equate the quality of what they’re doing with how much attention they’re getting on social media. We’ve been given a gift that can uplift humanity across all demographics.”
“Know the difference between the music and the business. Don’t believe your press clippings,” Cables added.
According to Wilson, the evolution of jazz as a musical genre has spanned decades, and recognizing the legacies of past trailblazers is critical to success.
“Learn from the masters; know histories. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, Wilson imparted. “What we do doesn’t happen in a vacuum; we are part of a continuum that has developed our art form for over a century.”
Click here to learn more about Arts at William & Mary and upcoming performances and masterclasses.
