About Steve Wilkerson

Steve Wilkerson, saxophone and clarinet virtuoso, began his professional career at age 11 when he joined his father's dance band. He was awarded a full scholarship to the University of Tulsa where he was lead alto and jazz soloist for their award winning jazz ensemble. He also won the coveted Downbeat Combo Award, which lead to three separate appearances at the Wichita Jazz Festivals. After graduation he toured with the Stan Kenton Orchestra as lead alto and jazz soloist. After a move to Los Angeles he began extensive work on tenor sax, receiving raves from Leonard Feather who proclaimed him "a ruling master of the tenor sax" in the LA Times. His recent CD with organist Joey DeFrancesco titled "A Blues Sorta Thing" validates that statement and has received raves throughout the world as well as heavy airplay nationwide. His baritone sax release, "Shaw 'Nuff" was featured in a major article in Downbeat Magazine and was hailed by Jazz Journal International as one of the top jazz albums of the year. In addition to his own recordings, Steve has recorded with Shelley Mann, for PAUSA Records and The Frank Capp Juggernaut Band for CONCORD Records. A former student of both Phil Woods and Cannonball Adderley, he has also performed with the likes of Clark Terry, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan, the Temptations, and Barbara Streisand.

In 1979, Steve married singer Andrea Baker and they were both signed to recording contracts for Skyline Records. Together they produced five critically acclaimed albums and toured much of the nation with their quintet.

Steve is also a much sought after educator and clinician. He was director of jazz studies at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California from 1989-2000 and now is a jazz lecturer. He has taught for the prestigious National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan and has twice been a guest artist for that fine school. He was named Outstanding Alumni from Pittsburg State University in Kansas where he completed a Masters Degree in Saxophone. His educational video, "The Art of Jazz Saxophone," is distributed by Hal Leonard Publications. Steve has also been featured on the Warren Duffy Show as a spokesperson for the importance of music education in our society.