Biography
A colorful, propulsive drummer, Shadow Wilson worked with many major bands during his career. He was a sensitive and exciting stylist, and could provide rhythmically dynamic and softly sympathetic accompaniment using sticks or brushes. He began playing with Lucky Millinder in 1939, then worked with Benny Carter, Tiny Bradshaw, Lionel Hampton, Earl Hines, Count Basie, and Woody Herman. Wilson later worked in the combos of Illinois Jacquet, Erroll Garner, and Thelonious Monk, and played with Ella Fitzgerald. He worked frequently with Sonny Stitt in the ’50s, and recorded with Basie, Joe Newman, Monk, and Lee Konitz. Wilson didn’t record any albums as a leader, but can be heard on CD reissues by Basie, Phil Woods and Gene Quill, Tadd Dameron, and Monk. ~ Ron Wynn