Anthony Wilson Nonet - House of the Singing Blossoms (2025) [Hi-Res]

The son of trumpeter and bandleader Gerald Wilson, with whom he can be heard on numerous recordings, Anthony Wilson has been a member of Diana Krall's band since 2001. He is also a sought-after sideman for the biggest names in music, from Aaron Neville to Paul McCartney. Since 1997, Wilson has pursued a prolific solo career. He has explored the trio format with organ alongside Larry Golding (Jack of Hearts) and recorded with Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinheiro (Nova). Above all, he has explored all the orchestral and expressive possibilities of a small, nine-piece big band, a specialty of his since his debut. After releasing four studio albums—Anthony Wilson (1997), Goat Hill Junket (1998), Adult Themes (2000), and Power of Nine (2006)—Wilson is releasing House of the Singing Blossom, his first live album in this configuration.
Propelled by the great Gerald Clayton on piano and a supple and explosive rhythm section, the group explores a sophisticated and highly varied repertoire. This repertoire ranges from the Beatles ("Because") to Keith Jarrett ("Le Mistral"), Joe Zawinul ("In a Silent Way," "Walk Talk"), Bennie Wallace ("Bordertown"), Ben Wendel ("Simple Song"), and, of course, Gerald Wilson ("Triple Chase"). Wilson's writing is confident and refined in its sense of texture, allowing high-flying soloists ample space for expression. Notable soloists include Nicole McCabe on alto saxophone with her raw lyricism, Bob Reynolds on tenor saxophone, Alan Ferver on trombone, and Wilson himself on guitar. Wilson offers direct, melodic music full of energy that is powerfully rooted in tradition (swing and blues), yet never flirts with nostalgia. His generosity and immersion in the moment prevail over any overly restrictive notion of genre. It's a beautiful jazz album like they don't make anymore. © Stéphane Ollivier

Credits
Anthony Wilson (guitar)
CJ Camerieri (trumpet & french horn)
Alan Ferber (trombone)
Nicole McCabe (alto saxophone)
Bob Reynolds (tenor saxophone)
Henry Solomon (baritone saxophone)
Gerald Clayton (piano)
Anna Butterss (acoustic bass)
Mark Ferber (drums)

Tracklist:
1-1 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Triple Chase [7:08]
1-2 Anthony Wilson Nonet - In a Silent Way [6:04]
1-3 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Walk Tall [7:21]
1-4 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Bordertown [7:24]
1-5 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Because [3:32]
1-6 Anthony Wilson Nonet - House of the Singing Blossoms [11:11]
1-7 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Blues for Wandering Angels [12:25]
1-8 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Introduction & Yaqui Indian Folk Song [4:46]
1-9 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Le Mistal [10:08]
1-10 Anthony Wilson Nonet - Simple Song [11:30]