Customer Reviews

Anthony Wilson

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This impressive debut by guitarist-composer-arranger Anthony Wilson sounds vintage in all but the excellent recording quality. Ellington's influence is openly acknowledged via his arrangement of "Do Nothing...", though Wilson's "little" big band (9-piece) charts have a West Coast feel to them. His composing and arranging are more prominently displayed here than his significant instrumental talent. Though he make his own statement on guitar on many of the tunes, he generously gives members of his horn section the most of the solos. Trumpeter Carl Saunders and tenor saxist Pete Christleib take most of the honors, and guest tenor Bennie Wallace is featured on "Southern Gentleman".

Also of interest is that this CD was published by the MAMA Foundation, "a nonprofit organization devoted to preserving the music of culturally significant artists. Its goal is the production of state-of-the-art digital recordings of the finest jazz and big band musicians that the commercial labels are passing up."

Sensational touch and taste from a master guitarist. Anthony used to play with Diana Krall and his dad, Gerald, is one of jazz's premier arrangers. Anthony learned his lessons well. This is a beautifully-arranged and recorded showcase for a gifted musician who's not as well-known as he should be. . .very easy to listen to.