Doug Wamble

Guitarist/vocalist Doug Wamble is a jazz traditionalist in the best sense of the word. Combining music from his southern roots with jazz, Wamble creates a unique sound that touches upon rural blues, gospel, swing, and post-bop. Although initially inspired to take up jazz after hearing recordings of innovative guitarist Charlie Christian, the Tennessee native actually began his studies at Memphis State University as a record engineering major. It wasn't until attending a Harry Connick Jr. concert and seeing guitarist Russell Malone play that Wamble decided to pursue performing full-time. He eventually transferred to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville and later earned his masters at Northwestern in Chicago. Along the way, Wamble added vocalist to his resume, a nice side-effect of learning lyrics to songs while driving to gigs. A move to New York City in 1997 brought Wamble into contact with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Subsequently, Wamble snagged high-profile gigs with vocalists Cassandra Wilson and Madeleine Peyroux, among others. He released his debut album, Country Libations, on saxophonist Branford Marsalis' label Marsalis Music in 2003. Bluestate followed in 2005.