Anthony Wilson on House of the Singing Blossoms (Live Nonet)

Guest: Anthony Wilson — guitarist, composer, bandleaderEpisode 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 SummaryGuitarist–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 ListenHear 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 HighlightsThe 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 BlossomsPersonnel — Sam First RecordingAnthony 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 ShowsSFJAZZ — Joe Henderson LabDates: 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.CreditsHost/Producer: Steve Roby, Backstage Bay AreaGuest: Anthony WilsonEditing/Mix: Backstage Bay AreaMusic: Excerpts courtesy of Anthony WilsonConnectFollow 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.