Birth

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1974 in Clatskanie, OR

 

Nate Wooley is a renowned American trumpeter, composer, and improviser who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene. Born on December 22, 1974, in Clatskanie, Oregon, Wooley grew up in a musical family and started playing the trumpet at the age of nine. He was initially drawn to jazz and played in various high school bands before attending the University of Oregon, where he studied classical trumpet performance. After completing his undergraduate degree, Wooley moved to New York City in 2001 to pursue a career in music. He quickly became involved in the city's vibrant experimental music scene, collaborating with a diverse range of musicians and artists. In 2003, he released his debut album, "Wrong Shape to be a Story Teller," which showcased his unique approach to the trumpet and his interest in exploring the boundaries of improvisation. Over the next few years, Wooley continued to establish himself as a leading figure in the avant-garde music world. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including saxophonist Evan Parker, drummer Paul Lytton, and guitarist Mary Halvorson. In 2007, he released his second album, "The Seven Storey Mountain," which was inspired by the writings of the Trappist monk Thomas Merton and featured a large ensemble of musicians. In 2011, Wooley released "Seven Storey Mountain II," a follow-up to his earlier album that featured a new ensemble of musicians and explored similar themes of spirituality and transcendence. The album received critical acclaim and helped to establish Wooley as one of the most innovative and exciting musicians working in contemporary classical music. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Wooley is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at institutions such as the University of Michigan, Wesleyan University, and the New England Conservatory of Music, and has conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world. Throughout his career, Wooley has received numerous awards and accolades for his work. In 2010, he was awarded a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, and in 2011 he was named a Doris Duke Performing Artist. He has also been recognized by organizations such as the Jazz Journalists Association and the DownBeat Critics Poll. Wooley's music is characterized by its adventurous spirit and its willingness to push the boundaries of what is possible with the trumpet. He is known for his use of extended techniques, such as circular breathing and multiphonics, as well as his ability to create complex and intricate soundscapes through improvisation. His work is often described as challenging and experimental, but also deeply emotional and expressive. In recent years, Wooley has continued to push the boundaries of his art, collaborating with a wide range of musicians and exploring new approaches to composition and improvisation. His most recent album, "Mutual Aid Music," was released in 2020 and features a series of duets with other musicians, including saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and percussionist Ches Smith. Overall, Nate Wooley is a musician who has made a significant impact on the contemporary classical music scene. His innovative approach to the trumpet and his willingness to explore new sounds and techniques have helped to expand the possibilities of the instrument and have inspired countless other musicians to push the boundaries of their own art.

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