New CD is ready; Let’s party!

It’s finally here! “Stretch,” my first CD as a leader, and I’m REALLY happy with everything, from the music to the artwork to the mastering.

I will have a copies for sale at two CD-release parties scheduled for this weekend — Friday, April 19, at the Blue Room and Sunday, April 21, at Take 5 Coffee + Bar.

The guys who helped me make the music on the disc will join me in these live performances: David Chael and Matt Otto, saxophone; Seth Lee, bass; and Sam Wisman, drums.

Hope you can come on out and catch some of the tunes!

Blue Room: 18th & Vine, 8:30 – 12:30
Take 5: 151st and Nall, 8:00 – 10:30

Thanks!

Roger

The Parallax Coffee House Tour

Performing at the Cafe Trio.

I played a really enjoyable gig with the new band Parallax last month at the Westport Coffee House. My favorite part was the really musical and high-energy interaction between the two drummers — yes, two drummers — Ryan Lee and Brian Steever. I’m looking forward to the next stop on the Parallax Coffee House Tour Thursday, Aug. 9, at the Take Five Coffee Bar, 151st and Nall in Leawood.

About that CD, I’m still working on it at a snail’s pace and hope to have it out this fall. It’s all mixed and sounds really good. Five originals, a Coltrane tune, a Sal Nistico tune, a standard, a praise song and an old hymn.

New year, new recording

Here’s to a fantastic 2012!
A recording I did last week promises to be one of the highlights of 2012 — my first as a leader, with some of my favorites in town: David Chael, Matt Otto, Seth Lee and Sam Wisman.
Hope to get it out there this spring!
– Roger

Playing solo at Cafe Trio

Your humble webmaster enjoyed a recent evening photographing and listening to Roger while sipping a couple of Billie Holidays (blueberry lemonade) at Cafe Trio, 4558 Main St. It was a great excuse to explore the snug little bar and experiment with the prismatic backdrop of the baby grand piano. Among the tunes I recall were a swinging version of “Surrey With the Fringe on Top” and an unexpected Beatles cover — “Martha My Dear.” (Click photos to enlarge)

With the Sons on a sunny day

Roger, playing with The Sons of Brazil at the 2010 Prairie Village Jazz Festival

Roger Wilder ventures onto the Internet

Kansas City jazz pianist extraordinaire Roger Wilder ventures onto the Internet for the first time (apart from MySpace), aided by friend and webmaster Rick Hellman. Bill Brownlee of Plastic Sax will be so proud!
Fans may bookmark or check this site and refer to the “Upcoming Gigs” tab for a calendar with details (time, location, cover charge) about Roger’s appearances.
This is a photo taken Friday, Nov. 4, at 1911 Main restaurant and bar, where Roger performed in a duet with trumpeter Stan Kessler. (Click to enlarge)