Saxophonist, Composer, Actor and Educator - Will Boyd has spent most of his life performing for many audiences with a variety of groups. He is known for playing in many genre's including jazz, gospel, rock, blues, latin, neo-soul, r & b and afro beat/ reggae. A native of Orangeburg, SC, Will graduated from South State University with a degree in music business. In 1997, he was inducted into the SC State Jazz Hall of Fame. Will Boyd serves as an artist in residence for the State of South Carolina and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha professional music fraternity.
Will has performed with many artists from various genres including Glen Jones, William Bell, Fred Wesley, Donald Brown, Jerry Coker, James Moody, John Blackwell, Seamus Blake, Ira Sullivan, Gary Foster, Suzie Kuroiwa, Debra Brown, Crystal Collins, The Four Tops, Platters, Sherrels, Coasters, Drifters, Wycliffe Gordon, Zim Ngqwana, Phil Driscol and many others.
He has performed with many college, community jazz groups as well as well known professional groups such as South Carolina State Jazz Ensemble, UT Big Band, Cleveland Jazz Machine, Clafin Univ. Jazz Orchestra, Streamliners Big Band, Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, the Lee Univ. Jazz Faculty Ensemble, and the Harry James Orchestra.
Will has performed in many different countries and all over the US. In November of 2007, Will performed at the Gemenites Steel Drum anniversary with Shades of Gospel in Antigua. In August 2006, Will, along vocalist Kelle Jolly, was featured at the Muroran Jazz Cruise (see pics) in Muroran, Hokkaido, Japan as well as performed at the Day by Day Jazz club in Sopporo, Japan. Past festival performances include 3 Rivers, 4 Bridges, River Bend, Secret City, Rossini, Dogwood Arts, Kuumba, Chattanooga Choo Choo, and Culture Fest.
Will currently lives in Knoxville TN, where he keeps a busy schedule playing at clubs, private parties, festivals and teaching. He has recently appeared on the live album of Overcoming Faith Christian Center " The Vision". He received honorable mention in the foward of acclaimed jazz educator Jerry Coker's book " Keys Unlocked". He is also in several ensembles including Shades of Gospel featuring Dr. Marvelene Moore, The Will Boyd Project, Afro-Beat group Ogya (og-cha) (fire) lead by Kofi Mawuko of Ghana and funk jazz group Groove Therapy. He is also a member of the music staff at Caanan Baptist Church of Christ with pastor Harold A. Middlebrooke.Will can also be seen making his acting dabut on Oxygen Network's crime reinactment shows Captured, and Snapped.For booking information or just to say hello, Will can be contacted at
[email protected].
