Bob Levi: a portrait by David W. Robinson (photograph and image processing by David W. Robinson)
House of the Singing Blossoms (click for complete album art and information), a jazz tour-de-force starring Anthony Wilson is recorded at Sam First's jazz club and recording studio by Sam First Records. This two record set with thick stock gatefold is Anthony Wilson's fourteenth album. The smart and lush arrangements are involving and entertaining. His ensemble is both deeply intricate and sophisticated.
Recorded extraordinarily well in PCM 96kHz/24-bit digital, using multiple high-end microphones, David Robaire, producer, and Nick Calapine, recording and mixing engineer do masterful jobs. Of course, the secret sauce is Bernie Grundman, who was the mastering engineer and lacquer creator for the album. Recorded live at Sam First on March 21st and 22nd, 2025, is manufactured in the USA at Furnace Record Pressing in Alexandria, Virginia. Paul Solomon, Executive Producer, made this excellent production possible.
This double LP format of two 180 gram disks is a numbered edition of 1000. They are available for $45 retail. They can be pre-ordered now and will be available for regular purchase on approximately August 29, 2025.
Credits
Anthony Wilson (guitar)
CJ Camerieri (trumpet & french horn)
Alan Ferber (trombone)
Nicole McCabe (alto saxophone)
Bob Reynolds (tenor saxophone)
Henry Solomon (baritone saxophone)
Gerald Clayton (piano)
Anna Butterss (acoustic bass)
Mark Ferber (drums)
01 Triple Chase 7:08 (Gerald Wilson)
02 In A Silent Way 6:04 (Joe Zawinul)
03 Walk Tall 7:21 (Joe Zawinul)
04 Bordertown 7:24 (Bennie Wallace)
05 Because 3:32 (John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
06 House of the Singing Blossoms 11:11 (Anthony Wilson)
07 Blues For Wandering Angels 12:25 (Anthony Wilson)
08 Introduction & Yaqui Indian Folk Song 4:46 (Keith Jarrett)
09 Le Mistral 10:08 (Keith Jarrett)
10 Simple Song 11:30 (Ben Wendel)
Reference System description
- Stein Music Aventurin phono cartridge
- EAR PB88 Phono stage
- EAR V12 Integrated Amplifier
- Marten Duke II Speakers
- AQ Dragon Speaker Cables
- REL subwoofer w/ Kubala-Sosna Power cord
- Archon Phono Cartridge on EAR Disc Master Turntable
- Zesto Audio Andros Deluxe II Phono Stage
- Zesto Audio Leto Ultra II Preamp
- EAR 890 Amplifiers (2)
- Marten Bird Speakers with UITaudio Speaker Cables
The Music
"Triple Chase" by Gerald Wilson is track one on side A. It features a big bold soundstage with plenty of depth and big dynamic range. The instruments appear to occupy their own space. The exciting and lively Baritone sax sounds quite natural and alive. The gorgeous sense of depth is emphasized by the extreme quiet of the record surface. This first selection composed be Gerald Wilson is a hold-on-to-your-seats Barn Burner!
"In a Silent Way" and "Walk Tall," composed by Joe Zawinul are continuous tracks two and three. The opening solo by Gerald Wilson is beautifully recorded and crisply imaged in the recording studio. The blend of Wilson's guitar with the four horns, and Anna Butterss' bass is awesome. There is lots of bloom with a big band sound that really rocks. The baritone sax solo is fantastic. The segway to "Walk Tall" is continuous and does not let up on the excitement. These are truly an amazing combo of two great jazz pieces.
"Bordertown," side B track 1, composed by Bennie Wallace, really swings. With every instrument weighing in simultaneously, I must admit that this is one of my favorite jazz tracks on any record I own. Gerald Clayton on the piano has a starring role, which is most welcome. The saxophone combo is unique, and I was unhappy when the track ended.
"Because," Side B track 2, composed by Lenin and McCartney, is next. The arrangement is beautiful and surreal; the only word I can use to describe it is amazing.
"House Of The Singing Blossoms," by Anthony Wilson is side B track 3. This melody is clever, cool, creative, and tightly wound. Played by masterful musicians, Gerald Clayton at the piano is extraordinary. The massed horn playing is exciting with wall to wall sound. Your listening room becomes the sound stage.
"Blues For Wandering Angels," by Anthony Wilson is side C track 1. Here we are offered a gorgeous blending of all the instruments. This modern blues number is tracking edge. The breakout solo by Bob Reynolds is thrilling, the harmonies are powerful. Alan Ferber on trombone is fantastic. The multiple saxophones are uber exciting. I have not heard a blues number this good in years. Featuring a very cool ending it leaves the listener wanting more. By the way, the vinyl is silent and close to nonexistent.
"Introduction & Yaqui Indian Folk Song," composed by Keith Jarrett is side C, track 2. This is a pleasant and charming piece and easy to listen to. Refreshing after the big blues selection, it features standout playing by Anna Butterss on the bass.
"Le Mistral" by Keith Jarrett is side D, track 1. Dramatic and involving jazz it features complex and wonderful instrumental solos. You are entertained by excellent trombone playing by Alan Ferber. Spatial Ques are outstanding. There is a wonderful guitar solo by Anthony Wilson. This is a very original selection with incredible dimensionality. I am used to 50-year-old jazz records that do not have anywhere near the 3-D airiness of this album. There is no sense of sweetening or compression in any selection. Again, the vinyl is perfection, silent to the max.
"Simple Song" by Ben Wendel is the final selection. There is nothing simple about "Simple Song." It is a tour-de-force for saxophones playing harmoniously as a group. Top notch piano playing by Gerald Clayton, both lively and powerful.
My Thoughts and Summary
Furnace Record Pressing of Alexandria, VA, is unknown to me. This is a two LP set. I washed the records before playing. I did not hear a single tick or pop on either LP, ever. I cannot say that about any other recent label from the USA or EU. Additionally, the surface is as quiet as any new LP I have ever heard. This added blackness enhances imaging and depth. It is amazing and you have to hear it for yourself!
The album is recorded at 24/96. I can only imagine how good it might be at 24/192. Grundman's magic is indisputable, and this LP set from Sam First Records is a must own. I highly recommend you pre-order House Of The Singing Blossoms as soon as possible. They are only pressing 1000 of these numbered sets. Sam First Records is another reason why vinyl is king!
$45 2LP Set
Sam First Records
David Robaire, Exetrackive and Artistic Director
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Los Angeles, CA 90045
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