Sam Wilson is an award winning guitarist based on the east coast in Halifax/Kjipuktuk, Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki. Blending her early love of finger-style/ acoustic guitar music with her love of jazz, she has created an original voice on her instrument that is emotive and reflective of the environment that surrounds her. She has released three recording projects as a leader, which have received nominations from the East Coast Music Awards and Music Nova Scotia. Her solo album ‘Into a Heart Pt. II’ (2020 Muzak records- Japan/ 2021 Canada), won Music Nova Scotia's 2022 'Jazz Recording of the year'. Her forthcoming album 'Wintertides' will be released in the winter of 2024. It is a trio project with drummer Jen Yakamovich (Vancouver) and Geordie Hart (Vancouver).

In 2021 Sam was awarded the Paul Cram Creation award. This gave her the opportunity to write a piece in honour of Paul Cram's legacy. The piece was premiered by Symphony Nova Scotia at the 2023 Open Waters Festival. As an emerging composer, she has been commissioned by Upstream Music Association to write ‘Illusions on Shaky Ground’ (2021), ‘Waterside’ (2022) and ‘Recover-we’ (2023). Her practice as a performer- composer reflects her love of jazz, instrumental and improvised music. Sam is always open to collaborate, get in touch on the contact page. 

Sam frequently plays with the acclaimed trombonist Andrew Jackson in their collaborative project the ‘Jackson\Wilson Duo’. They have been exploring the interplay of trombone and guitar, while honing their musical chemistry as a duo since 2014. Upon meeting both musicians were searching for a setting to explore jazz in a less traditional format, which has led them to develop a common musical language and create an original duo sound. Their repertoire extends from standards by the greats of the past such as Billy Strayhorn, to folk covers by the likes of Nick Drake and original compositions. They released their debut album ‘New Doors’ on January 28th, 2023. 

‘With a lyrical sensitivity to her instrumental compositions, her music draws listeners in with subtlety and introspective levity. Bringing a distinctive angle to her jazz-informed arranging, she creates nuanced space for improvisation and discovery…’- Upstream Music association.

Get to know more about Sam Wilson on the Friendly Heckler Podcast!

Ep. 9- Sam Wilson:

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefriendlyheckler/episodes/Ep--9---Sam-Wilson-e2344tv