top of page
IMG_8904.JPG

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.

​

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

Upcoming Gigs

  • Better Off Dead @ Hub City Vinyl
    Better Off Dead @ Hub City Vinyl
    Wed, Dec 31
    Hub City Vinyl, Hagerstown MD
    Dec 31, 2025, 8:00 PM – Jan 01, 2026, 12:50 AM
    Hub City Vinyl, Hagerstown MD, 28 E Baltimore St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, USA
    Spend New Year's Eve with the best DEAD tribute in the area — with special guest vocalist JESS LAKE as well! Get your tickets NOW!
  • Better Off Dead @ The Tally Ho in Leesburg
    Better Off Dead @ The Tally Ho in Leesburg
    Sat, Jan 10
    Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg VA
    Jan 10, 2026, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    Tally Ho Theater, Leesburg VA, 19 W Market St, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA
    The DC/Baltimore area's best DEAD tribute is back in Leesburg at the Tally Ho for a night of dance, groove, and joy! Get tickets!

Review: Lex Korten, CANOPY (Sounderscore, 2025)

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

Recent Writing

Threadgill_edited.jpg
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.

Screenshot 2025-10-06 at 11.13_edited.jpg
Fieldwork, THEREUPON: Review

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

SPH_edited.jpg
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

DD_edited.jpg
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 

[email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn

© 2035 by ALEXA HILL. Powered and secured by Wix

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • SoundCloud
  • Spotify
  • Apple Music
  • Amazon
bottom of page