Cassandra Wilson

Born: December 4, 1955

The voice is more visual than audible; shaded, iridescent,tangible, substantial. It seems to flow effortlessly. Readany of the dozen or so biographies on Cassandra Wilsonand you’ll discover some basics: born and reared inJackson, Mississippi in the 1960s and 70s by musicianand educator parents.

Classically trained on piano from age 6 until the age of13, she also received further musical instruction as aclarinetist for the concert and marching bands ofsecondary school. During the 70s, she could be foundperforming Joni Mitchell songs behind an acoustic guitar,or singing with a blues band in Little Rock, Arkansas, infront of a large funk band in Jackson, or in the companyof long-time friends in an all-girls ensemble. In theeighties, Cassandra moved to New Orleans where sheperformed with local luminaries Earl Turbinton and EllisMarsalis. After a year, she relocated to East Orange,New Jersey where she made a decision to take herchances on the New York jazz scene. After a stint as themain vocalist with Steve Coleman’s M-Base Collective,Cassandra began recording on her own.

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