Originally from London, Alto Saxophonist/Composer Will Vinson moved to New York City in 1999 and has cemented his international reputation as a leader and sideman. During his time in NYC, he appeared and/or recorded with Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ari Hoenig, Marcus Gilmore, Chris Potter, Kurt Elling, Lage Lund, Aaron Parks, and many others. Will is a member of a number of leading ensembles, including pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s Quartet, Ari Hoenig’s Punk Bop and Nonet, Miguel Zenon’s Identities Orchestra, and his own groups featuring, among others, Lage Lund, Jeff Ballard, Aaron Parks, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Shai Maestro and Mike Moreno. In 2012, along with bassist Orlando le Fleming and guitarist Lage Lund, he formed the critically acclaimed OWL Trio, whose eponymous debut in 2013 was hailed by critics and listeners alike.
Will’s saxophone playing is executed with incredible power and dramatic sensitivity, and is characterized by his imposing sound and technique; influenced by saxophonists from Cannonball to Chris Potter, he nevertheless brings his own unique approach to every performance. Will's writing, and the playing of his colleagues, combines a great respect for the century-long jazz tradition with explorations into the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic realms of contemporary forms.
The ANJO Youth Big Band brings together our brightest and youngest stars from around the country for the first time to form a truly national youth Big Band. Entry to the ANJO Youth Big Band is by competitive, blindfold audition with the successful candidates travelling to Sydney for a week long intensive including rehearsals, performances, and sectionals. Personally selected by Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Band Artistic Directors, Mace Francis, Nadje Noordhuis and David Theak, these incredible young musicians debut this groundbreaking project at the 2021 Sydney Con Jazz Festival.
Will Vinson guest saxophonist and composer
Mace Francis conductor
Saxophones Tessie Overmyer (NSW), Lachlan McGargill (SA), Patrick Lefevre (VIC), Isaac Power (QLD), Michael Williams (NSW)
Trumpets Harrison Ball (NSW), Deven Rahman (NSW), Lachlan McKenzie (QLD), Tom Avgenicos (NSW), Bernice Tesara (NSW)
Trombones Thomas Voss (SA), William Pethick (WA), Sam Hadlow (WA), Kit Millais (VIC)
Guitar Josh Meader (NSW)
Piano Austin Salibury (WA)
Contrabass Aidan Efron (SA)
Drums & cymbals George Greenhill (NSW)
Big Band Orchestrations and Arrangements by Alan Ferber, Tim Garland, Guillermo Klein, Florian Ross, Miho Hazama, & Will Vinson. Commissioned by the Sydney Conservatorium in 2020