The New York Project

Event information

THE NEW YORK PROJECT’ is a young, bold quintet set up by saxophonists Jacob Wilson and Charles Rothwell, aiming to assist and promote their joint ventures to study in September.

The band specialises in bringing the bop-heavy music of the New York scene to life here in England, trying to give audiences a taste of what the duo hope to experience when they embark on their respective journeys. Drawing on influences such as Eric Alexander, Vincent Herring, and Grant Stewart, some of whom the pair will be studying under, The New York Project promises to wow audiences with a mix of soulful and heavy-hitting bop tunes alongside some of the music’s most classic repertoire.

The band is comprised of some of the finest young musicians on the scene today, some of whom already have experience performing alongside some of the music’s masters.

Listed below are a few testimonials from some of the UK’s finest and most respected musicians:

Jean Toussaint:

“Charles Rothwell and Jacob Wilson are two of the most focused and enthusiastic students that I’ve worked with at Trinity College of Music. I’m certain that they’ll use all their energy and creative talents to develop an exciting project deserving of support and encouragement. Professor Jean Toussaint.”

Ruben Fox:

“In a climate where it is becoming increasingly difficult to be about IT, these two distinguished young gentlemen are going above and beyond to uphold the music that we love with dignity and merit”
Jacob Wilson is one of the most talented up-and-coming tenor saxophonists on the London scene today. Since moving to London in 2022, he has been carrying out his studies at Trinity Laban, studying with Jazz greats such as Tony Kofi and Jean Toussaint, alongside beginning to establish himself on the London jazz scene. He has performed at venues such as Pizza Express Dean Street, The Pheasantry, The Elgar Room at the Royal Albert Hall, The 606 Club, Alfie’s Club Soho, The Vortex Jazz Club, as well as We Out Here Festival and Brick Lane Jazz Festival. Following a lesson with his long-time hero, Saxophonist Grant Stewart, in January 2025, he was offered a place to study at his prestigious "Tribeca Jazz Institute": an exclusive intensive programme which runs for a 12-week semester right in the heart of New York City. This school was set up by Grant to “help exceptional young musicians whose goal is to take their playing to the next level”, and it’s here Jacob will have the opportunity to take his playing further learning from some of the greatest players in the world such as Eric Alexander, Harry Allen, Chris Byars and Vincent Herring

Graduating in the coming fall from the Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Charles Rothwell shows huge promise in the London jazz scene. Playing the saxophone for nearly 13 years, and building a strong rapport over the last four. Charles has played in many different contexts, including ground-breaking big band projects alongside Charles Tolliver at the Barbican theatre, to touring the world throughout Europe and Saudi Arabia in an intimate small band, quintet environment. Along the way, he’s had the privilege to work alongside and mentor under many world-class musicians, including Tony Kofi, Jean Toussaint, Deschanel Gordon, and Ruben Fox. Performing at venues such as the 606 club, The Vortex, The Barbican, Ronnie Scott’s, and Alfie’s Club. Charles has been accepted to study at William Paterson in New Jersey in 2025. A college that prides itself on not only making jazz history but also honouring the legacies of so many others. Archiving the work and memory of Michael Brecker, Clark Terry, Art Farmer, and many more. Whilst there, he will undertake a 2-year Master’s jazz course studying under some of the most prevalent jazz musicians alive today. Vincent Herring, Mike LeDonne, and Bill Charlap are just a few of the names he will be mentored under.