Charlie "Bird" Parker, John Coltrane, Grover Washington Jr., Ronnie Laws, David Sandborn, Kirk Whalum, Andy Snitzer, Everrett Harp, Boney James, Steve Cole, Gerald Albright, Art Porter, Kenny G., Warren Hill, Dave Coz
Wake Campbell
Wake is an accomplished saxophonist and composer out of Washington DC, the CD “In My Heart” marks Wake’s debut as a solo recording artist, and is an original combination of Smooth Jazz and R&B, Wake is a Smooth Jazz musician who’s aiming straight for your heart with some of the sexiest melodies and solos you’ll hear anywhere. The soulful grooves and intoxicating melodies will have you hooked after just a few notes. All of the material on this 1st CD was written, produced, arranged and performed by Wake.
Wake started playing the Sax at age 11 in the city’s school band program. Like most jazz musicians, as a teenager Wake fell in love the music of Bird and Trane. He became hooked on the local jazz scene and visited many of the jam sessions around town with his friends. He learned from his peers and paying close attention to the older musicians who had already mastered their instruments.
After a couple years in the Jazz studies Department at Howard University, Wake took advantage of an opportunity to perform throughout Switzerland with a group from the University. While in Europe wake was introduced to CDs by Grover and Ronnie Laws; after hearing their work Wake was inspired to start composing originals.
Wake eventually joined the Army and spent 8 years in the Band System performing throughout Europe, California and the DC area. Wake then retuned to the DC area where he worked with various bands and his own Group.
Wake’s 2nd CD is expected to be completed in the spring of 20009, and will be followed by a Christmas Project and his Third Smooth Jazz effort in the fall. So if you are a fan of artist like Grover Washington jr., Ronnie Laws, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum or David Sandborn, and you want to hear an example of music inspired by these great Smooth Jazz Masters, you are sure to enjoy this CD and any others that follow by this artist. Every note you hear will be from his heart.
Great to see you on here too, and thanks for your kind offer. I'm using Mike Parlett but it's always good to know other talented musicians, so I'll definitely keep you in mind.
