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Bio
Bryan Charles Wilson, a versatile musician hailing from New Jersey, USA, boasts an impressive repertoire as a cellist, composer, educator, and author. Graduating with a full scholarship and earning a Masters of Music in Multi-Style Strings from New Jersey City University and a BFA in Cello Performance and Music Composition from the California Institute of the Arts, Bryan's education became the cornerstone for crafting his distinctive identity as both a cellist and composer.
His compositions are an embodiment of soulful cello melodies intertwined with drum beats and synthesizers, often embracing improvisational elements. Spanning genres from classical to rock, hip hop to electro, Bryan's expertise encompasses diverse musical terrains. His debut solo album, "Oso Perezoso," released in 2017, was followed by "Inner Peace," a contemplative solo cello album for meditation. Notably, "Kaia," his 2018 release, was a heartfelt creation dedicated to his first daughter, while "Tri Âm," slated for 2024, promises to be a tribute to Vietnamese music and culture through the lens of his cello.
From 2011 to 2017, Bryan served as the cellist/composer for the post-rock band, You Bred Raptors?, extensively touring across the United States and Canada. The band garnered attention from prominent media outlets, including Good Day New York, The Atlantic, and New York Magazine, among others. In 2018, he ventured into the world music/electronic fusion scene by forming Amalgamy, collaborating with multi-instrumentalist Lubomir Smilenov and releasing their debut album, "Cynefin."
His residencies in Vietnam have marked a period of prolific collaboration and performance with esteemed Vietnamese musicians, including flutist Nguyễn Đức Minh and multi-instrumentalist Ngo Hong Quang. Bryan's appearances on Vietnamese television and at packed concerts nationwide have underscored his profound impact on the country's music scene. Notably, his involvement in the FAMLAB music residencies, funded by the British Council, has been instrumental in creating groundbreaking compositions that blend traditional Vietnamese music with contemporary elements. He has worked with numerous prestigious Vietnamese musical groups, such as Đàn Đó and Thiên Thanh Band, known for pushing the boundaries of tradition and modernity.
Functioning as a musical ambassador for peace, Bryan's performances at the United Nations and multiple appearances at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, collaborating with revered Vietnamese artists, showcased his compositions blending traditional Vietnamese instruments with the cello. His music's healing power extends from hospitals to the jungles, resonating with audiences and fostering connections on a deeper level.
Beyond his performance career, Bryan stands as a highly sought-after session player, lending his cello skills to numerous artists, enriching their musical tapestries. His contributions range from live tracking to remote recording at his professional home studio, Bryan Wilson Cello Studio, serving artists globally.
Moreover, Bryan is an accomplished author, penning insightful books such as "Advanced String Jams," "Beginner String Jams," and "Cello Chords," which have garnered praise in renowned publications like Strings Magazine and American String Teacher.
As a dedicated music educator and director of the Bryan Wilson Cello Studio, he imparts his expertise through classes in composition, chamber music, and cello instruction. His teaching ethos emphasizes classical fundamentals while nurturing improvisational skills and contemporary music proficiency, catering to students worldwide.
Bryan Charles Wilson epitomizes the fusion of artistic mastery, cultural exploration, and educational commitment, using his talent not only to entertain but also to unify and uplift communities through the universal language of music.
Music
PRESS
“Wilson's endeavors have not only enriched his artistic journey, but have also served as a bridge between cultures, fostering appreciation and understanding of both Vietnamese and international musical heritage.”
-The Voice of Vietnam - VOV World August 2023
“Wilson goes for it - and goes for it in many other ways and moments over the course of the record, and in so doing, gives something of himself that others might not have the courage to openly present. His courage is a gift.”
-New Directions Cello Festival Newsletter Vol. 23, No. 2
“Without doubt, the book is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in playing jazz, pop or any other genre outside the classical world.”
-The Strad May 2012
“In an endlessly complicated and often scary world, never underestimate the healing power of music, dance and the human connection.”
“These fun tunes are cleverly written and arranged to make playing various styles of music more accessible to young people. Learning how to play so many kinds of music was never so fun!”
-American String Teacher November 2021
“This unique fusion transcends national borders as artists come together to tell stories through music, blending the captivating sounds of traditional instruments with the catchy melodies of electronic elements.”