Bio
Born in Los Angeles, attending college for music in Boston and then spending his young adult life in Minnesota, Will played the clubs and led jazz bands for decades as he worked toward composing his first album, Tropic Zone released internationally to critical acclaim in 1980. Working alongside Prince, Yanni, The Peterson Family and many others on the Minneapolis music scene at the time, he started to receive industry recognition for his lush, heartfelt themes played over hot Latin rhythms, beautiful slow grooves and, of course, funky, driving electric riffs.
Eventually, a move back to Southern California brought with it the opportunity to dive into film scores, trailers and commercial work, but his heart soon brought him back to his first love, jazz guitar.
The So Cal vibe inspired him to launch his next few CDs including: Tracks and Yuletide Jazz, followed by Coast Drive, Pier Groove, Endless Sumner and Ride the Wave, just to name a few. All have been extremely well-received by the smooth jazz scene and are still getting airplay today on radio, iTunes, smoothjazz.com and numerous other music outlets.
The first symphony composed by Will was performed live by the Riverside, CA Philharmonic in an outdoor amphitheater at the beautiful South Coast Winery in Temecula, CA. Will counts the amazing experience of sharing his music with, not only the audience but an orchestra of his peers, as one of the highlights of a diverse career.
A virtuoso on guitar, piano, and violin, Will still works with other musicians on occasion and teaches music to both children and adults near his home in Carlsbad, CA. He continues to perform at venues throughout So Cal on both guitar and drums and is always evolving his talent as he lays down rich jazz tracks with ease and finesse.
Will is excited to sign with Guitar One Records for the release of his most recent and 10th album in his portfolio, Meadowlark, soon to be released in January of 2023.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
“Dangerous Ground – Desde Mi Corazon”
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Reached #19 on the R & R Smooth Jazz Charts
3 Cine Gold Eagle Awards
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United States Cine Award
2 Gold Medals
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New York International Film & TV Festival
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St. Vincent Sports Film Festival, Italy
1 Gold Plaque
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Chicago International Film Festival
1 First Place
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New York International Ski Film Festival
1 Blue Ribbon
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Budapest Sports Film Festival
“Coast Drive”
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#1 Most Added CD in the US in its first two weeks of release
2 Bronze Medals
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New York International Film & TV Festival
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New York International Sports Film Festival