Somers' jazz style influences include jazz piano greats Duke Ellington,
Dave Brubeck,
Nat Cole and
Oscar Peterson.

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Somers' Sound track Work Leads to Debut CD

His seminal CD released in 2000, Wilson Somers jazz composer/pianist with Bill Stumm, bassist, is music from the sound track of Edward Loper: Prophet of Color. The film has been repeatedly broadcast on local NPR stations in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Feature original tracks include: Highlighted Rhythm, Waltz for Joan, Jumpin' Jitterbug, Caesar's Mood, Acro-flight and Springtime in Paris. Other features include: Avalon by Jolson/DeSylva/Rose, For Heaven's Sake by Meyer/Bretton/Edward, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (Trad. Spiritual/Arr. Burleigh) and Johnson Rag by Lawrence/Hall/Kleinkauf.

Somers Dedicates Third CD to his Wife, Joan

Wilson Somers forever you followed in 2002 featuring jazz classics of Ellington, Brubeck, John Lewis and more. The title track is Somers' original contribution to the album dedicated to his wife, Joan. As always, Bill Stumm's bass accompaniment is exceptional.

Feature original track: Forever You. Other feature classics include: In A Sentimental Mood by Ellington, Nature Boy by Ahbez, Body and Soul by Green/Heyman/Sour/Eyton, Spring Is Here by Rodgers/Hart, Gentle Rain by Bonfi, Yesterdays by Kern, Django by Lewis, In Your Own Sweet Way by Brubeck, and Night and Day by Porter.

Somers Latest Jazz Trio CD Receives Critical Acclaim from Academic and Mainstream Experts

According to Michael Arenson, Professor of Music Theory at the University of Delaware, Wilson Somers avalon serenade, released in late 2005, is a collection of "inventive interpretations of [jazz] standards" to "original compositions that are both melodically and harmonically rich...This CD is a must for any jazz aficionado's collection." Read the Reviews.

Odean Pope, world renown jazz tenor saxophonist, has this to say about Wilson Somers avalon serenade - "Your Trio is focusing on some wonderful concepts, playing together collectively, individually and improvisationally. Play as much as possible, and be true to your own highest convictions." Odean Pope is a virtuoso musician who was featured soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra on Duke Ellington's "The Three Black Kings" and has been a member of the Max Roach Quartet for two decades. Visit Odean Pope's Website.

Feature original tracks include: New Day, Sandpiper, Avalon Pier, Jumpin' Jitterbug and Highlighted Rhythm. Feature classics include: What Is This Thing Called Love? by Cole Porter, Avalon by Jolson/DeSylva/Rose, What Am I Here For? by Duke Elllington, Meditation by Antonio Carlos Jobim, Nardis by Miles Davis (Arr. Wilson Somers), All The Things You Are by Jerome Kern, and Our Love Is Here To Stay by George Gershwin.

Somers is an Annual Recipient
of ASCAP Special Awards

Wilson Somers is also an accomplished composer and conductor of large-scale sacred works for chorus, soloists and orchestra.

His compositions: Mass for the Homeless and Requiem (in memoriam 9/11/01) have received critical acclaim. In 1997, the "Mass" premiered to a sold out audience at the Grand Opera House featuring the

Delaware Symphony Orchestra. The concert raised over $40,000 to benefit a number of local homeless agencies in Wilmington, Delaware.

Teaching & Music Direction are Somers' Core Professions

As an educator, Somers is Choral Director/Music Department Coordinator for the Tatnall School in Greenville, Delaware.

He also serves as Music Director for The Episcopal Church of the Advent in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania.