Rob Wilkerson

Saxophonist, composer, and music educator Rob Wilkerson is an Albuquerque, NM native based in Brooklyn, NY since 2001. In addition to writing and performing his own original music, he is currently a member of Darcy James Argue's critically acclaimed group Secret Society, Russ Spiegel's Big Band, the BMI New York Jazz Orchestra, and since 2005 has played lead alto with Warner Brothers artist Michael Buble. He is a regular guest with several small New York ensembles and his diverse discography includes his own original work, recording projects of fellow New York artists and several albums of Michael Buble; including the Grammy award-winning album "Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden."

As a performer, Rob has been a featured soloist with New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and has played with musicians both contemporary and legendary, including the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Joe Lovano, Jim McNeely, James Moody, Jon Gordon, Randy Johnston, and Chris Cheek. On tour with Buble, Rob has performed all over the world at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Abbey Road, Radio City Music Hall, London's O2 Arena and Sydney's Opera House; he has also appeared numerous times on television programs such as Oprah, Late Night with David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. Rob is also active in the new music world; he has been a member of the Pulse composer consortium ensemble in New York and seeks out opportunities to perform with emerging composers and new music groups.

As an improviser and composer, Rob is deeply interested in melody and mood; harmony serves these considerations, rather than dictating them. In the words of Marc Meyers (All About Jazz), "His music is personal, profound, and thoroughly refreshing." Imaginary Landscape, Rob's debut album on the Fresh Sound New Talent label, reflects his diverse influences and was deemed worthy of several "best of 2004" lists. He was recently invited to submit two original compositions for inclusion in the forthcoming Brooklyn Real Book, which will feature the music and musicians of the vibrant Brooklyn jazz scene.

Rob holds a B.A. in Saxophone Performance from the University of New Mexico, and a master's degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas, where he played lead alto in the One O'clock Lab Band. Rob's career as an educator has included posts teaching classical and jazz saxophone for undergraduate and graduate studios at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Boston University, Hartt School of Music, and University of North Texas. He is active as a clinician and guest artist at music schools and jazz festivals across the country. Rob is a Selmer Paris Performing Artist.