Anthony Wilson's Nonet

Part of the TJF2027 Downtown Jazz Hop: Catch a set, explore downtown Tucson, grab dinner or a drink, then hop to another concert as four unique venues, TOPAZZ restaurants and bars, and live jazz throughout downtown come together for one unforgettable opening night.

Nine musicians. Five horns. Guitar, piano, bass and drums. Anthony Wilson's Nonet brings the color and excitement of a large jazz ensemble into a setting where the musicians—and the improvisation—are right in front of you.

Wilson first made his name as a composer and arranger leading a nine-piece ensemble, earning a GRAMMY® nomination for his debut recording. Nearly three decades later, he has returned to the format with House of the Singing Blossoms, giving the musicians greater freedom within his arrangements. The result moves easily between deep grooves, memorable melodies and spontaneous improvisation.

For this special Tucson performance, Wilson brings several musicians from New York City together with some of Tucson's outstanding professional jazz players. It's exactly the kind of collaboration the Downtown Jazz Hop was designed to inspire: visiting artists and Tucson musicians sharing a stage and seeing where the music takes them.

And you don't need to know anything about jazz to enjoy the ride. Wilson's musical world reaches from jazz and blues to rock, pop and beyond, with a nonet repertoire inspired by everyone from Joe Zawinul and Keith Jarrett to Lennon and McCartney. At Don Martini's Garden, nine distinctive musical voices come together for a concert filled with rhythm, color and the excitement of hearing a big sound unfold up close.

“The result is exhilarating, with a nicely varied and paced setlist, stirring ensemble voicings [and] superb solos...”
— All About Jazz