Kalil Wilson, with pianist Javier Santiago

Kalil Wilson’s bright re-imaginings of jazz standards and originals are informed by the rich history of great jazz singing and meld with his heartfelt, eclectic stylings. An Oakland native, he is the son of Nigerian bassist/bandleader Babá Ken Okulolo and an American mom with a record collection of vintage jazz, African, R&B, and salsa. He was mentored by the Oakland Youth Chorus and the Young Musicians Program at UC Berkeley, then went on to UCLA’s Voice and Opera program while earning an honors degree in ethnomusicology. Yet he found himself gravitating back to jazz and was encouraged in that pursuit by jazz legend Kenny Burrell. Since his first album, “Easy to Love,” critics and audiences alike have fallen in love with his music.

Kalil has the gift! I know it when I hear it. He is anointed.”

- Carlos Santana