Press Quotes
(Live reviews)
“Make no mistake: this band was just as exceptional and distinctive as (Joshua) Redman’s, and the tenor playing more so.” Sydney Morning Herald
“He can create an air of majesty with a bold upward sweep on his tenor, or sustain a single, barely-perceptible note with the focus of a Zen monk.” The Age
“the most potent tenor to be heard in Australia these days… stupendous power, his sound so massive it seemed to threaten the structural integrity of the saxophone’s bell” Sydney Morning Herald
“Melbourne saxophonist Julien Wilson won three prizes at the Bell Awards last month, so expectations were high for his quartet — and they delivered mightily in one of the best performances of the festival.” The Australian
“He appears unable to play an ordinary solo.” JazzwiseMagazine
“Whether by stick, brush or hand, the much-loved Allan Browne was intent on being a team player, forever complementing his band members’ contributions.” AustralianJazz.net
“From the opener, Wilson showed again that he continues to play with assurance and to draw on deep inspiration that is clearly a sustaining force.” Ausjazz Blog
(CD Reviews)
“Julien is both subtle and magnificent. The tenor saxophone is like smoke, and it is like carved oak in his hands.” John Clare
“These two great new albums from top-level Australian jazz players can’t fail to enjoy widespread appeal.” John McBeath
“one of the great Australian jazz albums. The tenor seems to massage you as you listen. Wilson has simultaneously released a gorgeous album by his trio. Buy Both.” John Shand
“a level of maturity, and a storytelling quality that place him proudly in the lineage of such great tenor balladeers as Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Joe Lovano.” Adrian Jackson
“Wanhon ballad album impressive modern Australia gave birth!
Is an Australian all-star quartet exactly” Feather (Japan)
“they weave in and out with a beautiful precision that only experience can bring. Although mostly subdued, it is a strangely uplifting and enjoyable music.” Michael Prescott (UK)
“A very cool album, offering up plenty of intrigue and some stunning moments of beauty.”Dave Sumner (USA)
“Swailing is the magpie, picking from electric Miles, Massenet and Fats; This is Always is the osprey, its eye fixed on the one prize. Both are deliriously beautiful.” John Hardaker
2013 Wangaratta Jazz Festival:
“could have been re-named the Wangaratta Julien Festival”. AusJazz.net
“There were excellent performances by overseas artists, although the most unforgettable came from Australians. Saxophonist Julien Wilson lent his astonishing (and ever-deepening) artistry to many of these while Barney McAll’s solo and trio shows were deliciously soulful.” The Age – Best of 2013
“But it was saxophonist Julien Wilson who really dominated this year’s festival. Wilson’s performances were genuine highlights of the Festival.” addictedtonoise.com.au