Guest: Anthony Wilson — guitarist, composer, bandleader
Episode focus: Anthony’s new live double LP House of the Singing Blossoms (recorded at Sam First), the return of his nonet, and his upcoming SFJAZZ shows (Sept. 4–5; two shows nightly) in the Joe Henderson Lab.
Episode Summary
Guitarist–composer Anthony Wilson joins host Steve Roby to talk about reviving the nine-piece band that shaped his early voice and powers his new live album, House of the Singing Blossoms. Wilson digs into arranging for nonet, capturing the energy of a listening room on record, and why the album was designed for the deep, side-by-side experience of vinyl. He also previews the SFJAZZ dates, the evolving lineup, and how this music balances songful melody with fearless improvisation.
Why Listen
- Hear why the nonet remains the ideal canvas for Wilson’s writing and guitar voice.
- Get an inside look at recording live at Sam First and mastering with Bernie Grundman.
- Learn how sequencing for vinyl shaped the album’s narrative flow.
- Preview the SFJAZZ shows and how the book will evolve on stage.
- Enjoy featured tracks that frame the conversation: “House of the Singing Blossoms,” “Triple Chase,” and “Bordertown.”
Key Quotes (from Anthony Wilson)
- “The first band that I recorded with was a nine-piece band… I found that configuration compelling.”
- “I have always loved just how rich a palette, sonically, it can be to have those horns.”
- “In a club with an audience, you’re feeding off each other’s energy… You can just concentrate on the good feeling of being together.”
- “You pick that album up, put it on your turntable… side after side you have these 20-minute periods where you can become engrossed in the music.”
- “Out of the gate, it shows that what this band is about… is a commitment to serious improvising and serious playing.”
Conversation Highlights
- The nonet returns: How the ensemble’s color and agility unlock his arranging ideas—and where the guitar fits inside nine voices.
- Recording the room: Capturing two nights at Sam First to preserve interplay, momentum, and audience energy.
- Vinyl by design: Double 180-gram LPs, gatefold artwork, and a sequence that feels like stepping into the club.
- Legacy & lineage: Opening with “Triple Chase” by Gerald Wilson, nods to Joe Zawinul and Keith Jarrett, and a fresh take on Bennie Wallace’s “Bordertown.”
- SFJAZZ preview: A hybrid roster of veterans and rising players, new pieces in progress, and early nonet charts revisited with fresh ears.
Music Featured in This Episode
- “House of the Singing Blossoms” (excerpt) — from House of the Singing Blossoms
- “Triple Chase” (Gerald Wilson) — from House of the Singing Blossoms
- “Bordertown” (Bennie Wallace) — from House of the Singing Blossoms
Personnel — Sam First Recording
Anthony Wilson (guitar), CJ Camerieri (trumpet/French horn), Alan Ferber (trombone), Nicole McCabe (alto sax), Bob Reynolds (tenor sax), Henry Solomon (baritone sax), Gerald Clayton (piano), Anna Butterss (bass), Mark Ferber (drums).
Upcoming Shows
SFJAZZ — Joe Henderson Lab
Dates: September 4–5 (two shows nightly)
What to expect: Song-forward writing, expansive solos, and the punch and glow of a nine-piece band in an intimate room.
Credits
- Host/Producer: Steve Roby, Backstage Bay Area
- Guest: Anthony Wilson
- Editing/Mix: Backstage Bay Area
- Music: Excerpts courtesy of Anthony Wilson
Connect
- Follow Backstage Bay Area on your favorite podcast app.
- Share the episode with a friend and leave a rating/review to help others discover the show.
- For more on Anthony Wilson and House of the Singing Blossoms, visit the artist’s official channels and SFJAZZ’s calendar for tickets and details.
