Elliot Bild

Originally from Chicago, trumpeter, educator, and composer Elliot Bild got his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University where he studied with Scott Cowan, Andrew Rathbun and Edward Simon. Shortly after, he completed his Masters Degree from Temple University where he studied with Terell Stafford, John Swana and Dick Oatts. In August 2017, Elliot was selected along with 14 other fellows to participate in the Ravinia Steins Music Institute, a week-long workshop focusing on composition where he worked with Rufus Reid, Nathan Davis and Billy Childs. Later that summer, Elliot attended the Banff Workshop for Jazz and Creative Music, where he had the chance to work with Gary Bartz, Jeremy Pelt, Vijay Iyer, Tyshawn Sorey, Robin Eubanks and Tia Fuller, among others. In the Summer of 2018, Elliot became faculty of the Litchfield Jazz Camp. Recently, he has performed with the great Philadelphia Bassist Mike Boone at Smalls Jazz Club in NYC as well as the 2019 Philadelphia Center City Jazz Festival, as part of his new working Quintet. He has also performed with such people as Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band, Don Braden, Duane Eubanks, Tim Warfield Jr., Pablo Batista, Bill Jolly, Norman David and the Eleventet among others.

2018 culminated with the formation of Elliot Bild & The Zone. This band became the environment for Elliot's compositions and the band sound to develop. In April of 2019, the band recorded their first album at Chris's Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia. Eventually titled "ISMS", the album was released on November 25, 2020 with liner notes by Mike Boone.

Michael Hudson-Casanova: Echoes of Thought

Read "Echoes of Thought" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
November 4, 2021

Art Blakey would always open with a theme. Over the years, the theme changed, just as did Bu and his musicians. But the context was always the same. “Pay attention, y'all. This is Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers." If a listener is old enough to remember that moment, and willing to make due allowance for a Philly band “in the tradition," well, there you are. “Spin the Context" starts us. “The Old Days, Whenever They Were," is right on ...

Album Review

Elliot Bild & the Zone: ISMS

Read "ISMS" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello

by Nicholas F. Mondello
March 27, 2021

A textural and improvisational tour de force from Elliot Bild and the Zone, ISMS, recorded live, consists of ten selections—nine of which are Bild originals—and offers up an evening of intelligent and enlightening jazz. “Army of Aliens (Your Thoughts)" opens the set and is a classic hard-bop burner with Bild and saxophonist Hudson-Casanova lifting off the launch pad. “Lines and Dots" is a tasty bossa with an angular melodic head reminiscent of Oliver Nelson's symmetrical melodic patterns.

“You have really good technique, a really good sound and good conception…and I’ve been around long enough to hear your jazz playing improve 1,000%! Well Done!”

– Randy Brecker

“I really, really appreciate your professionalism. And the way you stay engaged to the music and trying to create other than soloing.”

– Mike Boone

“Elliot’s dedication to music is inspiring. His music connects the past to the future reflecting the immediacy of now. Elliot’s trumpet sound is beautiful and personal; his compositions are thoughtful and intriguing. His sincerity and passion is evident in every note!”