Today we’d like to introduce you to Bill Solley.
Hi Bill, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Started playing rock music in high school, then quickly moved to classical guitar in 11th grade. I studied classical guitar at the University of New Orleans under Elias Barriero and received a Bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance in 1980. Played various gigs in New Orleans from 1980-1986, then moved to the New York area to study Jazz guitar from 1986-1993. Moved back to New Orleans in 1993 and started working with various singers in duo situations using my 7-string guitar.7 string has a low A string so that I can play bass and guitar simultaneously. I met my wife, vocalist Kim Prevost in 1996 at an audition for acclaimed percussionist Bill Summers(Herbie Hancock Headhunters). I have toured internationally with my wife as a duo and band. We won the BET on Jazz discovery in 1999 and have played at major Jazz festivals around the world. I was also a guitar instructor to actor Terrence Howard in the acclaimed movie “Ray”.We came to Houston due to Hurricane Katrina and have been here ever since.We spent 9 months in Miami, first living and performing with Famous trumpeter Arturo Sandoval. Presently, I teach guitar at Memorial Music and continue to perform with my wife, Kim Prevost and various artists around the Houston area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Making a living as an artist is always challenging.Me personally, I trust God for my lively hood and that has worked for me. In terms of lessons learned, sometimes you have to jump in the fire! That can be frightening! But, by doing so you grow.
I’ve learned so much just by gigging with great musicians. There really is no substitute for that!
You learn how to listen and try to find your place in the music without getting in the way.I’ve learned how to not take myself too seriously and just have fun and be respectful of others on the gig.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known as a guitarist that plays 7 & 6 string guitar.
I’m also known as a composer of jazz, R&B and pop music. The thing that sets me apart from other guitar players is the fact that I play 7-string guitar fingerstyle. Which is rare!
My accomplishments are 1999 BET on Jazz discovery, Write up in Finger Style magazine and Louis Panzeri music scholarship. Have also performed and recorded with artists Arturo Sandoval, Allan Toussaint, Bobby McFerrin, Bobby Lyle, and Amina Figarova to name a few.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m married to the most beautiful person in the world, my wife and amazing singer Kim Prevost. We have to beautiful daughter Rachel and Sophia and two grandchildren Donovan and Clementine.
I’m an amateur Herpetologist and visual artist https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/bill-solley. Please visit our website at www.kimandbill.com to see where we are performing next!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimandbill.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billsolley/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9r2eERrKovBtTBeKR-sHg
