Passionate, soul stirring, and versatile saxophonist Stabe Wilson embellishes the musical experience with his vast musical vocabulary and energy.
He began playing the saxophone at age eleven at his father’s church in Oakland, California. Upon completing high school, Stabe attended Chabot Community College and the College of Alameda where he was a member of the College of Alameda Big Band under the direction of legendary jazz pianist, Bill Bell.
He later attended San Francisco State University where he furthered his musical studies. Influenced by saxophone greats such as Hank Crawford, Stanley Turrentine, David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, and Everette Harp, Stabe also intertwines the vocal phrasings of jazz icons Nancy Wilson, Al Jarreau, and gospel stylist Daryl Coley, in his playing.
Stabe has appeared with a number of prominent gospel artists including the Hawkins Family,Donald Lawrence, Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin, the Winans, and the late great Rev. James Cleveland. He has also performed with Pete Escovedo, Will Downing, Kenny Garrett, Bilal, Howard Hewitt, and Jonathan Butler. Stabe toured on the “MTV Good Vibes” tour featuring India.Arie, Mystic, and the Black Eyed Peas, as well as touring with the late, gifted Billy Preston and the late, beautiful Phyllis Hyman and the late, legendary Jimmy Smith.
Stabe has performed at many venues across the United States; the House of Blues, Wente Winery, The River Mill, New York's SOB’s, and Yoshis. A highly sought-after sideman, he has accompanied many artists at Oakland's Paramount Theatre , Maxwell’s, and San Francisco's Davies Symphony Hall and The Great American Music Hall. Stabe has performed at the Stone Soul Picnic, Solano County Fair, Oakland City Center Summer Sounds Concerts, and the City of Oakland Art & Soul Festival and many wineries throughout the Napa Valley.
His corporate clients include KBLX, Kaiser Permanente, The Oakland Police Department the Tri-Valley Bank of San Ramon as well as the cities of Oakland and San Leandro.
Never neglecting his spiritual beliefs, Stabe serves as the sole saxophonist at Love Center Ministries and the First AME Church, both in Oakland, California. Stabe’s jazz/rhythm blues presentations, with his own band, garnishes rave reviews after each performance, causing them to be a highly sought after group. Their musical renditions are second to none.
A consummate performer and in-demand session player, great things are happening in the life of this emotive instrumentalist.