Wyman Bird Lester

SEEKING

Band to Join, Vocalist, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, Other Percussion, Trumpet, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Background Singer, Trombone.

ABOUT

Wyman “Bird” Lester, a Philadelphia native was exposed to its diverse music
scene from the very beginning. From Duke Ellington and Count Basie,
Bebop, and the many forms of jazz, to r&b, and gospel, music was
everywhere. The great artists from the sound of Philadelphia could be seen or
heard rehearsing and superstars such as Patti Labelle were seen performing
live for free at Belmont Plateau in Fairmount Park. Live jazz was heard
coming from the night spots all over town. While he was in high school the
culturally diverse environment led to sharing and learning about the great
rock groups, and salsa music.
This exposure led to Bird playing in r &b and funk bands as a drummer and
percussionist all over the Philly metropolitan area. He migrated to the
Baltimore/Washington area in his 20’s and performed with several legendary
gospel artists at many venues and churches including the Kennedy Center
and Constitution hall. Eventually under the tutelage of the late Bill
Reichenbach, drummer of Charlie Byrd Trio fame, and Frank Russo, Bird
focused on playing jazz and started a jam session. The event also serves as a
recruiting tool for various projects and gigs under the name of The BW All-Stars and Radiance
Productions. He has assembled Bird’s Jazz Jam and is attracting outstanding
artists from the local DC/Baltimore jazz, Philly, and New York scenes and
beyond!

Screen name:: Wyman Bird Lester
Member since:: Nov 08 2022; Active within 1 month
Level of commitment:: Very Committed
Years playing music:: 40
Gigs played:: Over 100
Tend to practice:: More than 3 times per week
Available to gig:: 2-3 nights a week
Most available:: Nights

Influences

Clyde Stubblefield, Billy Cobham, David Garibaldi, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Dennis Chambers, John Robinson, Questlove, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Puente, Pancho Sanchez, Frankie Ruiz, and many more. Earth, Wind, and Fire, Ohio Players, The Roots, Morris Day and the Time, Rufus, New Birth, Tower of Power, James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, The Roots, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Miles Davis, Erroll Garner and many more.