The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Three saxophonists unite for Mother’s Day concert
Ryan Kilgore, Antonio Allen and Trey Daniels will perform ‘Saxy.’
Jazz saxophonist Ryan Kilgore is no stranger to big stages.
In his second year performing with Southwest DeKalb High School’s Marching Band, he played in the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Olympic Games. And for the past 10 years, Kilgore has enjoyed playing 15 feet away from one of the most legendary performers on the planet — Stevie Wonder.
On Sunday, Kilgore will join fellow saxophonists Antonio Allen and Trey Daniels for a Mother’s Day concert in Jonesboro.
The concert is the brainchild of Allen, 44, a soprano saxophonist who has several gospel and jazz CDs to his credit. Allen plays with the group Five Men on a Stool. He performs all over the world, touring recently in South Africa, Amsterdam, London and the Caribbean islands. His latest project, “My Journey,” is a compilation of his greatest Christian hits and some new material.
Of Kilgore, Allen said, “He’s an incredible musician and an incredible guy. When I thought about doing this, I wanted artists that I enjoy. So, it just so happened I called two other saxophone players because
that’s what I enjoy. I’ll be on stage not only as a performer, but as a fan.”
Said Kilgore: “Here are three guys that are individually doing stuff around the city and around the world, but we’ve never had an opportunity to play in concert together. As instrumentalists, you typically don’t have three saxophonists together.”
A native of Tampa, Daniels has lived in the Atlanta area for five years. He has his own band, the Trey Daniels Band, and has opened for Chaka Khan and Melanie Fiona. His debut album will be released Aug. 1. He is excited to perform with two men he considers to be like big brothers.
Kilgore relishes the chance to celebrate mothers. His mother, Paula Finley, has literally been the wind in his horn from day one.
“My mom has played so many different roles in my life,” Kilgore said. “Outside of being a mother — being a friend, being like a sister. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been able to have more transparent conversations with her.”
Finley, of Decatur, serves on the board of her son’s foundation, the Kilgore Music Foundation (Kilgoremusicfoundation. com). Now in its third year, the foundation promotes music education and hosts instrument drives around the country.
Ultimately, Kilgore, 35, would like to become a worldwide advocate for music in schools. He credits band directors at Southwest DeKalb High School for creating endless opportunities for student musicians.
Kilgore had just turned 25 when one of his mentors, jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips, helped him land the gig with Wonder. Months before, a former band instructor at Clark Atlanta University had suggested to Kilgore that he might want to get a passport.
“When I first got there, I had no idea I’d be as experienced as I was at a young age. But I had no idea I had so much more to learn about life, culture, exposure and travel. By that time, I had done plays, but I’d never been on a major tour and it was my first time out of the country and my first time seeing Stevie as a fan.”
Seeing Wonder perform live for the first time was one thing, but being a few feet away from him on stage was “a double whammy,” Kilgore said.
Wonder is a perfectionist, but he’s never unreasonable, Kilgore said. The biggest lesson he’s learned from Wonder is that music has no rules. “Playing with him is like playing in church. There is never one show that is exactly the same.”
Kilgore is working on new music; and lately has been into an electronic style of music. “It’s just a fun situation, see people dancing and having a good time. You want to participate in helping people feel good. Every musician and artist likes to see people enjoying their music.”