Anthony Wilson

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 Dodgion on alto and Ted Nash on tenor, listeners are treated to Wilson's intense relationship with music as a composer, arranger and guitarist. Great horns and cool charts add attitude to Goat Hill Junket and give a spontaneous difference to the musical events presented by Wilson on his covers of "The Cherry Tree," and "It Has Happened to Me." Guest artist Bennie Wallace shines on his original composition which is part of Wilson's and Wallace's quartet repertory. "Georgia Waltz" spotlights Anthony Wilson's musical growth and firmly transplants his groove from roots deep in jazz heredity. Goat Hill Junket surpasses his 1997 debut and is an excellent CD with a tight, cohesive nonet that does it right every time. ~ Paula Edelstein, All Music Guide