Willow Neilson

Willow has lead a life of changes, from a converted circus bus on the edge of a national park in Tuntable outside of Nimbin, Australia to skyscrapers in Shanghai and New York... Who knows where he will end up next, only fate knows. Willow Neilson was placed third in both the Montreaux Jazz Festival (2003) and London Jazz Festival (2004) International Saxophone competitions (2004). His debut album titled The Willow Neilson Quartet has received favourable reviews- ____________________________________________________________ _______________ Among other things, jazz is the art of building and releasing tension, and Neilsons band gives a lesson in this on their CD, belying the members age and experience. There is no sense of treading water or fishing for ideas as the improvising races from one action-packed episode to another leaving pools of suspense between. The drama suggests near desperation to vent ideas and energy -John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald 12th April 2002 ____________________________________________________________ _______________ In the best traditions of its chosen style, the collective performance is where the fun really is. The talk is articulate and robust, in musical conversations between band members that are every bit as important to the action as the featured solos. Having acknowledged this though, Neilsons musical ideas are so mature and executed that he really sparkles throughout this recording.- Andy Sugg, Music Forum, April/May 2002 ____________________________________________________________ _______________ This Sydney tenor saxophonist has crafted an album of high artistry that requires-and rewards- close and frequent listening. Although firmly in the post-bop mould, Neilson and his excellent cohorts rise above their influences with a powerful display of group playing Kenny Weir, Sunday Herald Sun, July 14, 2002. Melbourne