Bill Solley

During his classical guitar studies, Bill Solley discovered Paul Martino's Joyous Lake album and promptly redirected his focus to jazz. That decision launched a trajectory that positioned him among the foremost New Orleans jazz guitarists. Hands-on experience came through performances with musicians spanning multiple styles, among them Headhunters percussionist Bill Summers, New Orleans jazz diva Leah Chase, and bluesman Luther Kent. Recording sessions with George Howard and Dave Valentine followed, as did appearances alongside Herbie Hancock.

In the 1990s Solley partnered with fellow New Orleans native blues and jazz singer Kim Prevost, forming one of the Crescent City's most sought-after duos. The pair captured first place in the 1999 B.E.T. Jazz Discovery national competition. That April they issued their debut album, I Would Give all My Love, a collection blending jazz, blues, and gospel-tinged material.

Solley favors a seven-string Jimmy Foster guitar, an instrument he deploys with notable skill when supporting vocalists, Prevost in particular. He and Prevost maintain regular appearances at New Orleans jazz venues, including an ongoing engagement at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel.