Bio

Wayne Brasel

guitarist

Wayne Brasel, guitarist from California, USA,

combines the best of jazz, blues, soul, and rock guitar with a post-bop approach to improvisation.

The music he composes is an eclectic blend of styles and influences that often defies categorization.

Performing as a sideman and with his own group, Wayne has played and recorded alongside many of the world's top musicians, including:, Alex Acuna, Abe Laborial, Vinnie Caliuta, Brian Blade, Daniello Perez, Richard Bona, Sheila Jordan, John Patitucci, Arild Andersen, Peter Erskine and  Rick Margitza.

 Wayne's has recorded six CD’s of his own compositions including his most recent recordings “Stavanger Songs” with a quintet of top Norwegian musicians , “Tanzanian Skies” with an ensemble made up of Tanzanian and Norwegian musicians, and his latest CD “If You Would Dance “ with Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua and Tom Warrington. Wayne is also an associate professor and heads up the guitar department at the University of Stavanger in Stavanger, Norway.

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Music

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  1. 1
    Aberdeen 6:22
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  2. 2
    Agnete's Singing 8:16
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  3. 3
    Seraphim 4:12
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    Tanzanian Sky 7:04
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  5. 5
    The Oaks of Mamre 3:41
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  6. 6
    Waltz for Mette 7:16
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  7. 7
    And Gabriel Said 4:22
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Press photos

Live Video

Press / Reviews

"The California-bred guitarist Wayne Brasel , who is currently based in Norway, strikes a lyrical , Metheny-esque tone on this affecting project the stellar rhythm section of drummer Peter Erskine , pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Tom Warrington". ..... "Brasel stakes out more personal territory on the moving title track, the introspective acoustic guitar feature “ The Hermit” and the poignant “ Oleo de Mujer con Sombrero “, all underscored by Erskine’s masterful restraint and coloristic touches on the kit."  Bill MIlkowski-Jazz Times

WAYNE BRASEL  QUARTET/If You Would Dance:  "You gotta respect a guitarist that has a friendship with Peter Erskine that goes back to teen age years with Stan Kenton.  A very Wes influenced guitar date, this is Brasel’s own voice all the way through and it’s a clear voice that knows what it wants to say.  A great laid back date that isn’t easy, smooth or lite, this subtle set is right on the money through out.  Solid stuff deserving of your attention". Chris Spector-Rochester City Newspaper

"It's a good bet you've never heard of Wayne Brasel, an American guitarist now residing in Norway. So why should you now? His new album is one of the most beautiful recordings of the year. While his singing guitar style owes something to Pat Metheny (a compliment), his compositional style is all his own. Aside from one great cover (Silvio Rodriguez's "Oleo de Mujer con Sombrero") the songs are all his. Although the title tune is one of the most evocative, it's another song, "Celebration," that best defines the album --- a jaunty, breezy excursion from start to finish. His stellar group includes the great Peter Erskine on drums and percussion; Alan Pasqua, piano; Tom Warrington, bass; and Satnam Ramgotra, percussion. All of them provide excellent support, but Pasqua is especially noteworthy, supplying a constant stream of articulate solos. Don't be mislead by the album cover, which shows the feet of two dancers, circa 1950; this album has a spirit that is constantly moving forward".Ron Netsky-Midwest Record

"The Wayne Brasel Quartet (four stars!)If You Would DanceBraJazz RecordsOn this significant recording, jazz guitarist Wayne Brasel sweepsaside any hint of sentimentality on an evocative album of lovely,starry- eyed tunes played with a keen sense of swing thanks to a dream band—the superb drummer Peter Erskine, lyrical pianist Alan Pasqua and Tom Warrington on acoustic bass. Standout moments abound on this honest, gentle recording like the finger-popping “Celebration” that chugs along over Ersk- ine’s cymbal rides, the Brazilian tinged “Elias” (named for Erskine’s peer, pianist Eliane Elias) and “Oleo de Mujer con Sombrero,” set against a subtle background of percussion, sensitive brushes and with another fine solo from Pasqua. The nine tracks have a cinematic feel and rustic tunes like “Aberdeen” and “A Heart On Fire” sound as if they were composed for the twilight hour, that abbreviated space of time where the sun is setting in a western sky and the landscape is bathed in glowing hues of reds and yellows".Nick Bewsey -Icon Magazine

Stage plot & tech rider

Upcoming shows