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Will Layman
Music & Writing

I am a musician and music writer, playing and listening in the DC area and beyond. Learn about my bands and read/watch my music criticism here.

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Thanks for your interest — I'll see you out there on the gig!

Upcoming Gigs

  • Butte & Friends @ Settle Down Easy Brewery
    Butte & Friends @ Settle Down Easy Brewery
    Sat, Jan 17
    Settle Down Easy Brewing
    Jan 17, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Settle Down Easy Brewing, 2822 Fallfax Dr, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
    What a killer quartet: John Butte on vocals, trumpet, and guitar, Larry Joseloff on bass, Brian Rosenthal on drums, plus ME on keys, voclas, and saxophone! Come on out!
  • Collective Disturbance (Jazz Fusion) at The Alley, Bethesda
    Collective Disturbance (Jazz Fusion) at The Alley, Bethesda
    Thu, Jan 22
    The Alley (@ Bethesda Boards)
    Jan 22, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
    The Alley (@ Bethesda Boards), 7902 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
    This band plays soul-jazz and jazz fusion with a grooving fire! The Alley is still free and BYOB (and BYOEverything) - but a great place to hang!
  • Better Off Dead @ The Reckless Shepherd, Columbia MD
    Better Off Dead @ The Reckless Shepherd, Columbia MD
    Sat, Feb 14
    The Reckless Shepherd, Columbia MD
    Feb 14, 2026, 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    The Reckless Shepherd, Columbia MD, 8895 McGaw Rd, Columbia, MD 21045, USA
    We are BACK at the Shepherd for another epic show - great food and beer, plus the ultra vibe!

Review: Lex Korten, CANOPY (Sounderscore, 2025)

Review: Brandon Woody's FOR THE LOVE OF IT ALL (Blue Note, 2025)

Recent Writing

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Henry Threadgill, LISTEN SHIP: Review

The great composer uses four acoustic gutiars, two acoustic bass guitars, and two pianos to create a 16-part suite. And it's a delicate classic.

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Fieldwork, THEREUPON: Review

The veteran trio returns after 17 years with a brilliant album of huge clarity and range. Among the best of 2025.

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Stephen Philip Harvey: Interview

This young, relatively unknown jazz composer has new large ensemble music out that bears comparison with some of the finest compowers in jazz. Here is out conversation

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Dave Douglas, ALLOY: Review

The veteran trumpeter and composer has a new band with three trumpets plus Patricia Brennan on vibes. As usual, it is riveting.

Review: YE OLDE II, AT THE END OF TIME, Jacob Garchik

Review: FIRST MEETING, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Chris Potter, Larry Grenadier & Eric Harland

Review: Kneedbody's REACH (GroundUP, April 2025)

Call 

(301) 325-2417

Email 

will.k.layman@gmail.com

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