Aaron Wilson (A-train/Aplus)

BIO: 

The band leader and Musical Director of Ther’Up.Y is a Danville born,Champaign Urbana Illinois raised musical little fella. Aaron Wilson aka A+ or ATrain depending on what music setting you're in,grew up between two worlds:his family's deep ties to gospel music and the many years he spent touring the Blues music scene.His youth spent sitting on the porch learning traditional gospel/quartet music,sitting behind the stage while his mother performed clubs,and the fact there weren't any Black artist/musicians to emulate on tv gave him the Rock edge that made him stand out & landed him in the spotlight to where he became a household name and local hero. 

Aaron started his career early,playing on his first LP Rev. D.J. Byrd “I'm glad Jesus found me” (1984) when he was still in elementary school. Since then,he has gone on to establish himself as a Drummer extraordinaire,poet,singer,songwriter,and Music Director. 

Strong origins in the gospel, lead up to many opportunities for him to play for groups who have opened up for greats such as John P. Kee,Chicago Mass Choir, Canton Spirituals, New Direction,The Truth, Lecrae, Tye Tribbett,Dorinda Clark Cole and his brother;Dove Award & Stellar award nominee,Malaco Records youngest artist,Bryan Wilson. Showing off his singing/writing skills with his brother on (2008) A Second Coming CD and also on the single from the (2014) One Percent CD “I put you first”. Being his big brother,body guard and Music Director whenever Bryan performed live,is something he truly enjoys doing. You can listen to 4 tracks off the recent Christmas project that was produced by him.

During the gospel sessions,he was always open and playing many other genres of music such as Ska,RNB,Classic Rock,Jazz,Country,and what would become his ticket around the world Blues music.He started out playing for a bass player Big Mo, through this connection he became a part of the backing band for Shirley King (the daughter of the late, great B.B. King) & soon received the name “Atrain”,because they said he pushed the music like “A Train”,full speed ahead. Touring with Shirley King,led up to touring with Murali Coryel, son of legendary jazz guitarist Larry Coryel. He also toured with Lurrie Bell,Joe Moss,Dave Fields,Deak Harp, and Nick Moss & The Flip Tops.His playing notoriety made such an impression on the Blues Society in Champaign,that they made him house session drummer on W.E.F.T radio whenever he wasn’t on the road. Playing for major blues artists who passed through such as Cash McCall,Bill “Howling Mad”Perry, Johnny Rawls,Luscious Spiller,Bobby Rush,and the great Mickey Rogers. 

You can currently see and hear him playing for The Kilborn Alley Blues Band,Central,Illinois very own National/International Blues band. He has been touring with them for the past ten years faithfully writing,singing & playing. In keeping up with drumming,he is also an accompanist at the University of Illinois Dance Department playing Hip House,Ballet,Modern Dance,Afro Cuban,and Umfundalai.Using his singing and directing skills,he also hosts a Non profit show every 4th sunday of the month called “Soul On Sunday”. A show geared towards the art of poetry,comedy,painting,live music and building the community through it. The house band for this show is the very own Ther’Up.Y which is a magical creation by A+. You name it they play it!