Wilson Luallen | 30 Under 30

Hailing from Alamosa, Colorado, bassist Wilson Luallen’s older brother – also a musician -  gave him the jazz bug as a young kid. 

“I love improvising because it’s composition in the moment and there’s a lot of freedom in that,” Wilson said.

This past May, Wilson earned a  bachelor’s in jazz studies and commercial music from the University of Denver Lamont School of Music. But the journey was not without its obstacles.

Two and a half years ago, Wilson found himself struggling to play more then 10 minutes at a time due to a shoulder injury he received from a car accident – even after rehab and physical therapy. Wilson turned to classical techniques to learn how to ease the tension in his arms while playing.

“As a bass player, I’m always seeking to find the groove,” Wilson said. “In my music, I’m trying to find the most basic harmonic elements – like playing the root of the chord – to bring the music together and speak to the audience.

Wilson is currently a member of local folk and bluegrass band Meadow Mountain.

“I would certainly say music is the most important thing in my life,” said Wilson.

To celebrate 30 years on the air and invest in the future of jazz, KUVO interviewed 30 local musicians under the age of 30. These features will be released on-air and online June 29-October 31.

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