High-Resolution Photos

Photo credits: David Aday, Kevin Bloom, Tye Worthington, Luke Awtry

Biography

Will Sellenraad – Guitarist, Composer

Will Sellenraad is a vibrant, innovative jazz guitarist and composer at the forefront of New York City’s creative music scene. With a singular voice that fuses soulful lyricism, rhythmic feel, and improvisational sophistication, he crafts soundscapes that are both evocative and electrifying.

Background & Education

Born into the downtown Manhattan art world as the son of two prominent New York painters, Sellenraad was immersed in creativity from the beginning. He went on to refine his artistry at The New School University’s renowned Jazz Program, graduating in 1995 after studies with luminaries including John Abercrombie, Gary Dial, Jim Hall, and Reggie Workman. Along the way, his talent earned him multiple scholarships and grants from the New York State Council on the Arts.

Musical Career & Style

A cornerstone of New York’s jazz community, Sellenraad has performed in many of the city’s most storied venues, including The 55 Bar, Smalls, Mezzrow, The Blue Note, Birdland, The Iridium, and the legendary Sweet Basil. His playing is celebrated for brilliant improvisations and compelling, melodic compositions that draw from jazz, soul, rock, and funk—melding tradition with innovation to create a deeply personal and emotionally resonant voice.

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Selected Press Quotes

• “captures a social dynamic in motion.” — Nate Chinen, WBGO
• “an arresting album.” — Jonathan Gomez, DownBeat
• “affinity for melody and sparse liquidity.” — Britt Robson, JazzTimes
• “...you will definitely be hearing more from Will Sellenraad.” — Kenny Barron, press materials
• “It grooves like an old school session, but sizzles with a freshness that catches the band in their present moment.” — All About Jazz
• “There’s joy in this music; the joy of creation and of playing together as a group for a long time.” — The Hartford Courant