WAYNE WALLACE

Bio

Three-time Grammy nominee, Wayne Wallace, is one of the more respected exponents of African American-Latin music in the world today. He is known for the use of traditional forms and styles in combination with contemporary music, and has earned recognition with his recent placement in the Downbeat Critics Polls under the trombone and producer categories. Mr. Wallace is an accomplished arranger, educator, and composer with compositions for film and television. He has also received grants form the Creative Work Fund, the National Endowments for the Arts, the Lila Wallace Foundation, and the San Francisco Arts Commission. Mr. Wallace has performed, recorded and studied with acknowledged masters of the Afro-Latin and Jazz idioms such as Aretha Franklin, Bobby Hutcherson, Earth Wind and Fire, Pete Escovedo, Santana, Julian Priester, Conjunto Libre, Whitney Houston,Tito Puente, Steve Turre, John Lee Hooker, Con-funk-shun, Francisco Aguabella, Manny Oquendo and Libre, Max Roach, and Orestes Vilató. This experience has provided a solid foundation for Mr. Wallace's current explorations of the intersections of diverse cultural styles, and rhythmic concepts.

Born and raised in San Francisco, California, May 29th 1952, at an early age Wayne was exposed to Blues, Country and Western, and Jazz . The fertile musical environment of the San Francisco Bay Area shaped his career in a unique way. His studies of Afro-Latin music and Jazz have included several trips to Cuba, New York, and Puerto Rico.

Mr. Wallace is widely respected as a teacher and historian and is currently an instructor at San Jose State University, Stanford University and the Jazzschool in Berkeley. He has conducted lectures, workshops and clinics in the Americas and Europe since 1983. Currently he is a member of the Advisory Committee of the San Jose Jazz Society.

As the head of his own record label, Patois Records, Wayne has created a unique company with a passionate mission of developing and chronicling the multi-lingual styles of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene. Patois Records is gaining attention in the industry and internationally. Under his direction the label has released 9 different recordings to critical acclaim. The labels oeuvre currently contains recordings by Mr. Wallace, Marc and Paul van Wageningen, vocalists Kat Parra, Alexa Weber Morales, and Kristina. Wayne is an endorsee of Conn-Selmer trombones.

Albums

Three In One

Trombonist/composer/arranger Wayne Wallace's debut CD, "Three In One", accurately reflects his vast musical passion and background. With a stellar cast of musicians, rearrangements of classic jazz standards like "Straight No Chaser" and "Moon Rays" the CD takes us on Pan-Caribbean musical journey. Affectionately dubbed "The Doctor" by Latin Jazz legend Pete Escovedo, Wayne's career spans over twenty years as master trombonist, much solicited composer/arranger, and widely and highly respected music educator. Master Latin percussionist and music historian John Santos says "Wayne himself is a "three in one" persona. His extremely influential combination of writing, playing, and teaching indisputably places him among the most important musicians ever to emerge from the Bay Area".

Release Date: 2000  

Tracks

Credits

David Belove
Jeff Cressman
Jesus Diaz
Pete Escovedo
Louis Fasman
Murray Low
Melecio Magdaluyo
Frank Martin
Ray Lucas
John Santos
Michael Spiro
Ron Stallings
Orestes Vilato
Marc van Wageningen
Paul van Wageningen
Wayne Wallace
John Worley
David Yamasaki 

Echoes In Blue

"Echoes In Blue" maintains continuity with the powerful musical devices of Wayne Wallace's critically acclaimed CD, "Three In One", yet it goes in new artistic directions, revealing more dimensions in Wayne's immense musical personality.
"Echoes In Blue" honors some of the masters in Wayne's musical pantheon with Latinized covers of jazz classics. Wayne gives a  Cuban/Jazz/Funk of "Take The A- Train" by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington, "Silver's Serenade" pays tribute to Horace Silver's pioneering contributions to the development of Latin Jazz. The use of the Rumba form highlights the timeless quality and harmonic potential of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage". The CuBop of "The Bird" combines the rhythmic and harmonic freedom of Charlie Parker's composing, with the legendary groundwork of Latin Jazz developed by Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo.
The Wallace original "Azure Blue" is a reflection of Wayne's love of Brazilian culture . "Fan-tan" is an original tribute to the harmonic genius of Wayne Shorter. "Gingerbread Girl", one of Wayne's best-known originals, uses Mozambique, Soca, and Funk to celebrate the variety of styles in the art of the dance in American and Caribbean cultures. "Testimony" explores the joint influence of sacred Gospel and secular Blues on the development of Jazz. Wayne's search for spiritual identity through music is majestically expressed in his arrangement of the traditional Afro-Cuban "Koriomale" - a chant for Elegua, the Yoruban deity of the crossroads. "Santa Africana (for Yemaya)" pays homage to the Yoruban Goddess of the seas, with a beautiful composition accompanying a vividly mystical poem by Irene Moosen, recited by the great Brenda Boykin.

Release Date: 2001  

Tracks

Credits

David Belove, Bass
Sheila E, Güiro
Pete Escovedo, Bongos
Louis Fasman, Trumpet
Murray Low, Piano & Keyboards
Melecio Magdaluyo, Alto Sax & Flute
Frank Martin, Piano & Vocal
John Santos, Percussion, Timbales, Congas, Claves & vocal
Michael Spiro Percussion, Conga & Vocal
Rev. Ron Stallings, Tenor Sax, Bass Clarinet & Vocals
Paul van Wageningen, Drums
Wayne Wallace Trombone, Arranger, Vocals, Melodica, Trombone (Alto), Producer, Engineer, Trombone (Tenor), Author, Mixing
John Worley, Trumpet & Flugelhorn
David Yamasaki, Guitar  

Dedication

Jazz/Latin music expert Jesse "Chuy" Varela opens the informative liner notes that he wrote for Wayne Wallace's Dedication with a very honest and candid statement: "Jazz is not for everyone. It's not exclusive or elitist, but unfortunately, it only speaks to a small percentage of the mass music market who grasp its improvisational vocabulary and spirituality." Varela goes on to say that "what keeps jazz alive is dedication," and in fact, Wallace's spirit of dedication comes through quite clearly on this 2006 date (a solid big band-oriented effort that is full of memorable ensemble work). The Bay Area trombonist wears different hats equally well on Dedication; he shines as both a soloist and a bandleader/arranger, and those arrangements are often as relevant to Latin jazz as they are to post-bop. The material chosen for Dedication can usually be divided into one of two main categories: either (1) Wallace originals or, (2) songs that have either a direct or indirect connection to the seminal John Coltrane. The relevant-to-Coltrane performances include Latin-flavored arrangements of two Coltrane pieces ("Mr. Day" and "Spiritual") as well as acoustic pianist McCoy Tyner's "Some Day." Most of the time, Latin means Afro-Cuban on Dedication; Wallace's good-natured "Nena," however, is more Brazilian-minded. Wallace's dedication to jazz -- both post-bop and Afro-Cuban jazz -- serves him well on this pleasing, well executed CD. 

Release Date: 2006

Tracks

Credits

John Santos—Timbales, Guiro
Paul Van Wageningen—Trap Drums
Babatunde Lea—Congas, Trap drums, Shekere
David Belove—Bass
Frank Martin—Piano
Andrea Brachfeld—Flute, Piccolo
Mary Fettig—Soprano Sax, Bass Clarinet
Masaru Koga—Alto Sax, Flute, Alto Flute, Shakuhachi
Hafez Modirzadeh—Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax, Ney
Louis Fasman—Trumpet
Jeff Cressman—Trombone
Wayne Wallace—Trombone
John Worley—Trumpet, Flugelhorn  

The Reckless Search for Beauty

Some jazz musicians -- certainly not all jazz musicians, but some jazz musicians -- can be very stereotypical jazz snobs (the sort of folks who refuse to see the value in any music other than jazz and wouldn't know Joan Jett from Joan Baez or Mary J. Blige from Mary Chapin Carpenter). But trombonist/bandleader/arranger Wayne Wallace is a jazz musician with a more broad-minded outlook, which serves him nicely on The Reckless Search for Beauty. This is a jazz-oriented disc that gets a lot of inspiration from Latin music as well as soul/funk but here Wallace turns to the more African-influenced areas of Latin music for inspiration; Afro-Cuban elements are prominent on "El Rio de Oro," "La Encantadora," "Nadie" and "Paso a Paso" (all Wallace originals) as well as tasteful versions of Miles Davis' "Tune Up" and Bill Withers' "Use Me". The Reckless Search for Beauty is an intriguing title for this 2006 recording; Wallace is definitely searching for musical beauty, but the performances (some totally instrumental, some with vocals) never sound reckless -- perhaps restless, but not reckless (or careless or haphazard). Actually, this CD manages to sound very focused while offering a fair amount of surprises (including a bolero-style performance of Duke Ellington's "Chromatic Love Affair" and an arrangement of Mongo Santamaria's "Afro-Blue" that includes both English lyrics by Oscar Brown, Jr. and Spanish lyrics by Ricardo Pereiro). Although not aimed at jazz purists, The Reckless Search for Beauty is well worth hearing if one likes his/her Latin jazz and post-bop with a dose of funk and soul.

Release Date: 2006  

Tracks

Credits

Wayne Wallace: trombone-ALL TRACKS
Alexa Weber-Morales: vocals-TRACKS 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11
John Santos: perc.-ALL TRACKS
Michael Spiro: perc.-ALL TRACKS
Paul Van Wageningen: trap drums-ALL TRACKS
David Belove: ALL TRACKS
Murray Low: piano-TRACKS 1-6, 8, 9, 10
Frank Martin: piano and synthesizer-TRACKS 3-5, 7, 8, 11
David Yamasaki: All tracks
Louis Fasman: trumpet and flugelhorn-TRACKS 1-10
John Worley: trumpet and flugelhorn-TRACKS 1-10
Melecio Magdaluyo: alto sax, bari sax, and flute-TRACKS 1-10
Ron Stallings: tenor sax-TRACKS 1-10

Special guests
Ron Hollins: vocals-TRACKS 3, 5, 8
Dave Martell: trombone-TRACKS 2, 10
Kat Parra: vocals-TRACKS 1, 3, 5, 8
Orlando Torriente: vocals-TRACKS 1, 3, 5, 8
Sheryl-Lynn Wallace: vocals-TRACKS 1, 3 

The Nature of the Beat

Jazz trombonist Wayne Wallace has been steadily moving up the ladder as one of the premier players on his instrument, and merging more so to the Latin jazz idiom. He's a fine arranger and bandleader too, talents that should not be overlooked. For this program, Wallace asserts his melodic common sense by leading out many tunes, stirring up a large horn section, and infusing his personal dynamism that will rival any of his heroes and influences. His background in playing pop music also shows up, as he covers tunes by Earth, Wind & Fire and Ray Charles. But the straight Latin and jazz tracks fully display what Wallace does best. The sizzling montuno original "¡No Esta Complicado!" is fronted by the trombonist, setting off chirping and chattering horns in the backdrop. A clave beat sustains the orisha inspired "Oshumaré" in a nice, melodic understated groove during five minutes of marvelous music that inexplicably is faded out prematurely. There's an expansive take of Herbie Hancock's "Come Running to Me" , an amiable cha cha version with flute, brass, and electric piano. Melecio Magdaluyo is the wondrous flute player and fluid alto saxophonist on the date, and his light shines brightly throughout. His flute sweetly coalesces with Wallace on the very slow version of "Bésame Mucho," while his alto solo leaps over the Latin funk of "Mis Amigos" and "That Walk." Veteran saxophonist Ron Stallings is here as well, playing outstanding baritone sax on the spicy deep take of Gerry Mulligan's "Jeru," a great idea for the soloist and the other horns. Stallings is on tenor and vocals for a timba funk version of "Unchain My Heart" . Wallace is an extraordinary trombone player and improviser, of that there is no doubt. The band, including Magdaluyo, Stallings, timbales master Michael Spiro, the great percussionist John Santos, pianists Frank Martin and Murray Low, bassist David Belove and drummer Paul VanWageningen are all truly outstanding.  

Release Date: 2008  

Tracks

Credits

Larry Batiste Vocals, Guest Appearance
David Belove Bass, Photography
Louis Fasman Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Kenneth Lee Mastering
Aaron Lington Sax (Baritone), Guest Appearance
Murray Low Piano
Melecio Magdaluyo Flute, Sax (Alto)
Gary Mankin Engineer, Mixing
Frank Gayer Martin Synthesizer, Piano
Alexa Weber Morales Vocals
Claytoven Richardson Vocals, Guest Appearance
John Santos Percussion, Conga
Michael Spiro Percussion, Timbales
Rev. Ron Stallings Sax (Baritone), Sax (Tenor)
Jeanie Tracy Vocals, Guest Appearance
Paul VanWageningen Trap Kit
Wayne Wallace Trombone, Tuba, Producer, Author, Mixing
John L. Worley, Jr. Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Natural Horn
David Yamasaki Guitar 

Infinity

Trombonist Wayne Wallace gathers strength in numbers through his previous large-ensemble jazz and Latin projects, tapping on local West Coast resources to expand the language of his instrument and the music he favors. For this recording he effectively harmonizes with himself by utilizing double- and triple-tracking for the same end result, making his tenor and alto trombone or Wagner tuba sound like a full brass section on several selections. He employs the elegant and skilled vocalist Jackie Ryan on two tracks and a vocal choir for another two, and faithfully stays within the Afro-Caribbean tradition of music mined by Papo Vazquez, Steve Turre, and Chris Washburn. Wallace has picked a wonderful rhythm section that perfectly exemplifies ideal teamwork, with percussionist Michael Spiro, bassist David Belove, drummer Paul Van Wageningen, and especially the exceptional pianist Murray Low to shape these original tunes and standards beautifully, within the framework of classic Cuban rhythms. The title track is a gem, a cool song featuring sharp accents and percussion inserts in a montuno/descarga sauce. The tumba-tumbao swing "Songo Colorado" features the lead vocal of Orlando Torriente with a chorus of singers, joyous and alive -- a tune that makes you wanna holler "yeah!" Dedicated to brothers Jerry and Andy Gonzalez, "TBA" starts with a single trombone that is multiplied by overdubbing, and displays the most refined piano playing from Low. Latin superstar flutist Roger Glenn makes a cameo appearance during the outstanding "Cha-Cha de Alegria," elevating the ensemble's cachet as he also overdubs a vibraphone track in danzon style. The cuts with Ryan's dusky vocal component are no less compelling as she jumps into the fray scatting on the clave jazz take of "Love Walked In," and exploits her alluring feminine charms for the purely romantic "Close Your Eyes." Ryan is a keeper, and one to always pay attention to when speaking of great contemporary jazz singers. Wallace is also mindful of early jazz tradition during his bolero ballad rendition of the vintage chestnut "Memories of You," utilizing his single languid trombone. He also pulls out a melodica to play Jovino Santos Neto's "As Cores da Menina," a samba tune that adds more contrast. Even reverting to well-done commercial funk, he combines Freddie Hubbard's "Straight Life" and Weldon Irvine's "Mr. Clean" with Low on electric piano in a contemporary approach that is far from foreign or compromising. With a handful of recordings in the Wallace discography and confidence growing on every one, Infinity is solid top to bottom. It's close to his best effort so far, with still more to come in what promises to be a long and satisfying career for Wayne Wallace, who has to be deemed a top-drawer jazz and Latin trombonist in the 2000s and beyond.

Release Date: 2008  

Tracks

Credits

David Belove Bass, Photography
Roger Glenn Flute, Vibraphone, Guest Appearance
Russell Kidd Cover Art
Kenneth Lee Mastering
Murray Low Piano, Keyboards
Gary Mankin Engineer, Mixing
Alexa Weber Morales Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Guest Appearance
Pablo Neruda Author
Jackie Ryan Vocals, Guest Appearance
Michael Spiro Percussion, Arranger, Conga, Timbales, Claves, Producer, Bata, Cuica, Shekere, Guiro, Percussion Arrangement, Requinto
Rev. Ron Stallings Vocals, Vocals (bckgr), Guest Appearance
Paul VanWageningen Drums
Wayne Wallace Trombone, Arranger, Vocals, Melodica, Trombone (Alto), Producer, Engineer, Trombone (Tenor), Author, Mixing  

¡Bien Bien!

¡BIEN BIEN! is the second release of The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, whose debut CD Infinity was voted “Album of the Week” by Latin Jazz Corner; spent two weeks at #2 on Jazz Week’s “World Music Top 50 Charts”; and led Nelson Rodriguez of Latin Beat Magazine to declare: “Based on this CD, Wayne Wallace has become my choice for the title of ‘Musician of the Year.’” ¡BIEN BIEN! is an intriguing collection of three Wallace originals, a Memo Acevedo tune, and five “straight ahead” tunes that Wallace has masterfully reconfigured into extremely satisfying Latin Jazz vehicles. He and his band mates Murray Low (piano); David Belove (bass); Michael Spiro (Latin percussion and percussion arrangements); and Paul van Wageningen (trap drums), have created another tour de force, and the presence of two special guests – the legendary trombonist Julian Priester and the up-and-coming virtuoso jazz vocalist Kenny Washington – beautifully augments the cohesion of this longstanding ensemble. 

Release Date: 2009

 Tracks

Credits

The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet
Wayne Wallace -Trombone and Vocals
Murray Low -Piano and Vocals
Michael Spiro -Percussion and Vocals
David Belove -Bass and Vocals
Paul van Wageningen -Drums and Vocals

SPECIAL GUESTS
Julian Priester -Trombone
Dave Martell -Trombone
Lead vocals on "Freedom Jazz Dance" Kenny Washington (English) and Orlando Torriente (Spanish)
Background vocals on "Freedom Jazz Dance" Karen Aczon, David Chaidez, Alexa Weber Morales, Sakai, Jody Noble, Sheryl Lynn Thomas and Ron Stallings  

Reviews

“Wallace’s arrangements, populated with tightly synched, beefy horn charts and sturdy Latin percussion, are inspired…” ? Jeff Tamarkin, Jazz Times

“Wallace’s quintet is like an elite commando unit: lean, mean and packing some serious heat.” — Forrest Dylan Bryant, Jazz Observer

“Wallace is an extraordinary trombone player and improviser, of that there is no doubt.” ? Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide 2009 Annual Critics’ Poll, Trombone Category — DownBeat Magazine

Nelson Rodriguez of Latin Beat Magazine  “Based on this CD, Wayne Wallace has become my choice for the title of ‘Musician of the Year.’”

Wallace s quintet is like an elite commando unit: lean, mean and packing some serious heat. Drummer Paul Van Wageningen, percussionist Michael Spiro and bassist Dave Belove locked together in an impenetrable wall of rhythm, with a bass thump loud enough to be felt in the granite and steel columns of the surrounding buildings. Wallace surfed over all this with a pan-Caribbean fluidity part Cuba and part New Orleans, speaking of both the music s African roots and its 21st century urban reality. --The Jazz Observer By Forrest Dylan Bryant August 8, 2009 

In addition to his warm-toned, fluid and imaginative bone playing, Wallace shows abundant talents as arranger, producer and composer. His Afro-Cuban music bristles with energy and spirit that will leave you eagerly awaiting his next album! --Nancy Ann Lee, Jazz & Blues Report 

More information about Wayne Wallace at www.walacomusic.com