About stabe

 Passionate, soul stirring and eclectic are all adjectives describing the musical styling of saxophonist Stabe Wilson. 

Hailing from Oakland, California, Stabe’s interest in the saxophone began at the early age of ten. After performing at his father’s Oakland church at age eleven, Stabe knew he was called to share his talent with the masses. Stabe studied music at Chabot Community College, College of Alameda and San Francisco State University. While a student at College of Alameda, he was privileged to be a member of the colleges’ Big Band under the direction of legendary jazz pianist Bill Bell. 

Drawing inspiration from every musical genre from gospel to jazz to soul and R&B, Stabe’s vast list of musical influences can best be described as versatile. His unique style and interpretation of song has been influenced by traditional jazz saxophonists such as Hank Crawford, David “Fat Head” Newman and Stanley Turrentine; contemporary saxophonists David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Michael Brecker and Everette Harp; blues greats B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland; the vocal phrasing of jazz greats Nancy Wilson, Ray Charles and gospel artist Daryl Coley, just to name a few. 

Stabe has had the rare opportunity to make appearances with some of the world’s most renowned recording artists including gospel icons, Edwin Hawkins, Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp and the late Edwin & Walter Hawkins; Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo; soul greats Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Howard Hewett, Tower Of Power, Eric Benet and the late Phyllis Hyman. Stabe has also acted as music director for neo-soul artists Eric Roberson and Frank McComb. 

In addition to his solo work with established recording artists, Stabe also serves as the leader of the Stabe Wilson Band. The Stabe Wilson Band has made multiple appearances at Oakland’s Art & Soul Festival, City of Oakland Sunday in the Redwoods Concert Series and the KBLX Stone Soul Concert. The Stabe Wilson Band’s mix of Rhythm and Jazz and blues styles has made the band the “go-to” band for events hosted by the California Association of Black Lawyers, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland Police Department, City of Oakland and various wineries and festivals throughout California and beyond. 

Stabe was awarded the 2012 Saxophonist of the Year by the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame. He was previously named 1995 Saxophonist of the Year by the National Gospel Academy. 

Whether performing as leader of the Stabe Wilson Band or backing up established recording artists, in an intimate venue, arena or spirit filled church one thing is guaranteed…your ears are in for a pleasurable musical journey while Stabe Wilson is in command of his saxophone.