Duke Wilson
This webpage is dedicated to my dear friend and master percussionist Duke (William) Wilson who left this earth on November 17th, 2023. Although my friendship and musical relationship with Duke stretches back almost 40 years, it was only in the past 15 years or so that we started to play regularly together. At first as just a duo, then as a trio (with bass) and occasionally as part of a larger ensemble. His gentle demeanor belied the intensity and passion with which he played. His knowledge of music and in particular the many varied rhythms of Africa, the Carribean and the Middle East was impressive and refreshing. He was also a fine composer. Below are three of our recordings from live performances including his original composition, Barak.
There are also two original compositions by Duke from his time with the eclectic ensemble Kusangala: Cameron and Rain Maker. In each of them you can hear the brilliance of his improvisations, writing and the unique approach he brought to the grooves he played to compliment the harmony and melody of each work.
He is dearly missed by me and all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his lovely wife Marie and talented brother-in-law Mel. Mel is a professional photographer and enjoyed videoing Duke and me at Duke and Marie’s beautiful home in Cheltenham or at gigs. Below are links to some of our YouTubes most of which were done by Mel.
This webpage is dedicated to my dear friend and master percussionist Duke (William) Wilson who left this earth on November 17th, 2023. Although my friendship and musical relationship with Duke stretches back almost 40 years, it was only in the past 15 years or so that we started to play regularly together. At first as just a duo, then as a trio (with bass) and occasionally as part of a larger ensemble. His gentle demeanor belied the intensity and passion with which he played. His knowledge of music and in particular the many varied rhythms of Africa, the Carribean and the Middle East was impressive and refreshing. He was also a fine composer. Below are three of our recordings from live performances including his original composition, Barak.
There are also two original compositions by Duke from his time with the eclectic ensemble Kusangala: Cameron and Rain Maker. In each of them you can hear the brilliance of his improvisations, writing and the unique approach he brought to the grooves he played to compliment the harmony and melody of each work.
He is dearly missed by me and all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his lovely wife Marie and talented brother-in-law Mel. Mel is a professional photographer and enjoyed videoing Duke and me at Duke and Marie’s beautiful home in Cheltenham or at gigs. Below are links to some of our YouTubes most of which were done by Mel.
Trio Concert (Greater Philadelphia Flute Society) 2014 Duke Wilson, Percussion; Marc Adler, Flute; Craig Thomas, Bass
Two of Duke's original compositions from the Kusangala Ensemble Recording from 1994 featuring Tyrone Brown (bass), Gloria Galante (harp), Jim Miller (drums), Rosella Clemmons-Washington (vocals) and of course Duke.
Youtubes with Duke
Marc Adler - Jazz in Media - with Duke, Chico Huff, Jimmy DeSalvo (Jazz Bridge Video)
https://youtu.be/7RC15O_lyTI?si=5LJu6I1-lGgRnYYY
The Duke with Marc Adler “Labyrinth” (Adler) (Mevin Peters Video) (2013)
https://youtu.be/PZKkEbsFOCQ?si=R1Lh8Z8kFtkw0Riy
Duke Wilson & Marc Adler "Headjoint Jam" (Melvin Peters Video) (2018)
https://youtu.be/3SFk6DD6TuI?si=b5VBtRZ3GWGlaSdo
Duke Wilson & Marc Adler 2 "Nidaa" (Dagher) (at the Keswick Coffee House Marlene Adler Art Opening 2017)
https://youtu.be/MNuYHdRM8ag?si=KjpN_9aFF_3HGty-
The Duke Wilson and Marc Adler "Blues Jam" (Melvin Peters Video) (2016)
https://youtu.be/ECBFnrqDQtg?si=E731Fz89LTGqLSbm
The “Duke & Marc Adler” "Barak" (Wilson) (Melvin Peters Video) (2013)
https://youtu.be/NDZlGQRXkrw?si=2WDk3RbcYDcwttfS
Marc Adler & Duke Wilson C 5 21 17 "Free Jam" with Octaves (Melvin Peters Video) (2017)
https://youtu.be/MwvufI49T38?si=k4IyuYHE7oZphZOL
Marc Adler - Jazz in Media - with Duke, Chico Huff, Jimmy DeSalvo (Jazz Bridge Video)
https://youtu.be/7RC15O_lyTI?si=5LJu6I1-lGgRnYYY
The Duke with Marc Adler “Labyrinth” (Adler) (Mevin Peters Video) (2013)
https://youtu.be/PZKkEbsFOCQ?si=R1Lh8Z8kFtkw0Riy
Duke Wilson & Marc Adler "Headjoint Jam" (Melvin Peters Video) (2018)
https://youtu.be/3SFk6DD6TuI?si=b5VBtRZ3GWGlaSdo
Duke Wilson & Marc Adler 2 "Nidaa" (Dagher) (at the Keswick Coffee House Marlene Adler Art Opening 2017)
https://youtu.be/MNuYHdRM8ag?si=KjpN_9aFF_3HGty-
The Duke Wilson and Marc Adler "Blues Jam" (Melvin Peters Video) (2016)
https://youtu.be/ECBFnrqDQtg?si=E731Fz89LTGqLSbm
The “Duke & Marc Adler” "Barak" (Wilson) (Melvin Peters Video) (2013)
https://youtu.be/NDZlGQRXkrw?si=2WDk3RbcYDcwttfS
Marc Adler & Duke Wilson C 5 21 17 "Free Jam" with Octaves (Melvin Peters Video) (2017)
https://youtu.be/MwvufI49T38?si=k4IyuYHE7oZphZOL