Pianist, Travis Wesley is an active performer, recording artist, composer and instructor currently residing in Bloomington, IL. Over the last decade, Travis has worked with some of the Midwest's finest jazz artists. Travis freelances as a jazz pianist with a variety of groups however, his trio is being featured throughout Central Illinois with increasing regularity.
Travis' regular jazz trio consists of bassist, Tim Brickner and drummer, Cory Flanigan who are both from Peoria, IL. The trio released an album entitled Sections in June, 2009. St. Louis bassist, Ben Wheeler and drummer, Steven Tatum represent the rhythm section on several of the tracks as well. The album features trio arrangements by Travis as well as one of his original compositions, Sections. This group swings extremely hard and plays with a maturity that is worthy of recognition at some of the highest levels in jazz music today. Travis is featured on his Fender Rhodes electric piano throughout, and there is a wonderful contrast between the different rhythm sections involved. The first few tracks resemble a rhythmic approach similar to that of the old Bill Evans trios of the 1960's and 1970's while the second half of the album can be compared to the trios of Cedar Walton, Wynton Kelly or Red Garland. After listening to the album however, it is clear Travis carries a sound and improvisational logic that is his own. Once you listen to this album, it is no surprise as to why Travis is gaining attention throughout the Midwest.
In December, 2008, Travis and his trio completed a recording along with vocalist, Ronnie Jones entitled, Travis Wesley Meets Ron Jones: The More I See You. Ronnie is featured with Travis throughout the Central Illinois area, and the two are quickly becoming a local favorite in the Twin Cities in Illinois. The More I See You was officially released in February of 2008.
In February of 2008, Travis released an album entitled "Standard Interpretations." The album features bassist, Ben Wheeler who Wesley had the privilege of working with in the Willie Akins Quartet in St. Louis. The album consists of a series of duets with the two musicians who perform popular tunes from the standard jazz repetoire. Travis and Ben produce a sound that is both modern and grounded in the jazz tradition on this album. The interaction between the two of them is adventurous and dynamic.
Prior to moving to Illinois, Travis was the regular pianist in The Willie Akins Quartet in St. Louis, MO. Willie Akins played in New York City from the late 50's to the early 70's, then moved back to St. Louis where he has been a permanent fixture on the jazz front ever since.
Some influences that one might hear in his playing include Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Cedar Walton, Tommy Flannagan, Hank Jones, Vince Girauldi and Sonny Rollins to name a few.
Wesley received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Eastern Illinois University.
