Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Bill Anschell was born on March 12, 1959 in Seattle, Washington and after leaving high school he went on to study for two years at Oberlin College, then transferring to Wesleyan University in Connecticut, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in Music. At Wesleyan, he worked closely with saxophonist Bill Barron and studied semi-privately with South Indian mridangum master T Ranganathan, kindling a passion for rhythmic experimentation that has driven his music ever since.

After leading the life of a jazz vagabond for several years, Bill settled in Atlanta in 1989. He was initially drawn there by the opportunity to serve as Jazz Coordinator for the Southern Arts Federation (SAF), that he fired up virtually from scratch. He launched a host of high-profile programs, published a book on grant writing, and created “JazzSouth,” an internationally syndicated radio show. At night he dove headlong into the city’s thriving jazz scene, working as a sideman with various groups and leading his own trio.

By 1992, Anschell’s left SAF, continuing to produce “JazzSouth” out of his home while focusing on playing and composing. Ascended the jazz ranks he led his trio at major festivals, became a first-call accompanist for visiting jazz greats and enjoyed a lengthy association with vocalist Nnenna Freelon, serving as her pianist, arranger and musical director. His piano work and arrangements were featured throughout Freelon’s 1996 Concord release “Shaking Free,” nominated for a Grammy as the year’s best jazz vocal recording.

Bill has played and/or recorded with a host of jazz greats including Richard Davis, Ron Carter, Benny Golsen and Russell Malone. In 2001, he was selected by the American Composers Forum for its “Composer-in-the-Schools” program; his residency included a commissioned piece for chamber orchestra. Since 2003, his original compositions have been heard on NBC’s “The West Wing,” CBS’s “The Defenders” and “NCIS: LA,” and HBO’s “The Wire.”

He has performed with the symphony, ventured into electronica, is well-known as a jazz humorist, writing jazz vignettes and a monthly jazz etiquette column. His satirical essay, “Careers in Jazz,” is the all-time most-read piece on leading jazz website allaboutjazz.com, and was prominently featured in a Wall Street Journal story on jazz audiences. He has won numerous awards such as 2005 Northwest Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year 2006 & 2001; Northwest Acoustic Jazz Ensemble of the Year (Bill Anschell Trio) 2010 and Northwest Jazz Recording of the Year for his 2011 “Figments”. He continues to perform, tour and record.

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