Phil Wigfall
Performing Jazz Saxophonist
United States

I was a bit of a jazz snob before I got to Berklee. That soon changed when I had the chance to see Miles Davis live. At that time, Miles was playing electric jazz funk. Not exactly bebop! I especially wanted to hear his new alto saxophonist, Kenny Garrett, whom I had met in 1985 at the Village Vanguard jazz club. I was so impressed with his playing, I became more serious about jazz music. That's when I became a jazz snob! But when I heard him playing funk and playing the HELL out of it, I realized I had been wrong! I needed to be as flexible and open-minded a musician as he was! And when I returned to Vegas, I returned with a more positive attitude toward all music.
In 1989, I began working the casino lounge group circuit which was also a great learning experience. I had to learn different styles of music in order to work. A year later, a friend and I sneaked into Bally's casino showroom and caught a glimpse of Sheena Easton's show. Her band sounded great! Incredibly funky with a very Prince-influenced groove. I thought to myself, "I want to be in THAT band"! By 1991, I got my chance! Sheena's tour manager at the time, Marc St. Louis, saw me playing one night. He introduced himself. We exchanged numbers and 6 months later, I got a call to audition. I got the gig, and performed with her for 8 years.
During my time in Vegas, I've also had the opportunity to back up other great artists such as: Quincy Jones, Gladys Knight, Clint Holmes, Joe Williams, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Bette Midler, and currently with Celine Dion.