Jazz Articles about Anthony Wilson

Anthony Wilson Nonet: Power Of Nine

by Michael P. Gladstone
November 9, 2006

Anthony Wilson has been a vital member of singer Diana Krall's group over the past few years, but the guitarist has also been able to maintain his own identity as a bandleader and composer, recording five albums since 1997. These releases have met with very positive critical responses.

On his sixth and most ambitious work to date, Power Of Nine, the guitarist works with a nonet. Given the fact that he is the son of famed bandleader Gerald ...

Anthony Wilson: Adult Themes

by Jack Bowers
January 1, 2000

In spite of its provocative title, the themes on composer / arranger / guitarist Anthony Wilson’s third release for the MAMA Foundation aren’t x–rated. Perhaps “music for adults” would be a more accurate description, for that it surely is. Wilson, who has reached the ripe old age of 31, validates the uncommon maturity that overspread his self–titled debut album and its successor, Goat Hill Junket. He does so with a series of remarkably inventive charts for his 11–piece ensemble that ...

Anthony Wilson: Goat Hill Junket

by Paula Edelstein
June 1, 1999

Goat Hill Junket recalls Anthony Wilson to the forefront of his nonet playing five new originals and three arrangements with memorable melodies and great ensemble textures. Wilson and his ensemble swing with the dynamics of older styles of jazz on songs that create their own melodic world. His resonant guitar leads on an innovative arrangement of “Here’s That Rainy Day” and further compliments the standard with an impeccable array of younger and seasoned talent. With Jeff Ballard on drums, Jerry ...

Anthony Wilson: Goat Hill Junket

by Jack Bowers
August 1, 1998

Guitarist Anthony Wilson, whose debut was nominated last year for a Grammy Award, has neatly sidestepped the sophomore jinx on his latest release for the MAMA Foundation thanks to his creative writing and steadfast support from his New York-based sidemen. This one's in a somewhat funkier groove than Wilson's earlier effort with pianist Mike LeDonne playing Hammond B-3 on two selections ("W-2 Blues," Tadd Dameron's “Flossie Lou") and guest Bennie Wallace squealing like a disconcerted Texas tenor on “Stairway to ...

Anthony Wilson: Anthony Wilson

by Jim Santella
March 1, 1998

Among the nominees for a Grammy Award in the Best Large Jazz Ensemble category, Anthony Wilson's nonet recording is grouped with some rather formidable competitors: Joe Henderson's Big Band, Bill Holman's Big Band, J.J. Johnson's Brass Orchestra, and Phil Woods' Festival Orchestra. Fortunately, careers don't always hinge on the granting of arts & entertainment awards such as the Grammys. Approaching thirty, surrounded by a group of LA's finest mainstream jazz veterans, and sharing both the genetic and environmental makeup of ...