This is a little different thing for Anthony. His past few albums have been him leading a big band, doing marvelous arrangements and playing guitar to die for.

Here, it’s just him, Joe Bagg on the B-3, and Mark Ferber on the drums. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t matter, as far as the quality of the music goes.

There are three originals here. The title cut is a light bopper that lets Wilson show his lyrical solo playing. “Brita’s Blues” is a nice ballad with a bluesy touch, and “Time Flies” has a Latin feel that really heats up and lets Anthony’s playing take you on a wild ride. If you’re familiar with his big-band arrangements, you’re probably not going to be surprised by the quality of these compositions.

The rest of the album has some great covers – some surprising. For instance, we go from a killer version of “Luck Be a Lady” to a grooving “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” It’s not often we’re taken from Sinatra to the Beatles, and in such grand fashion.

“Luck Be a Lady” has an intro that lasts over a minute and lets Anthony take you through the secret life of chords. His chordal work with no accompaniment is beautiful. From there, it’s a straight reading of the melody. Then, when you think about it, the Beatles tune is a perfect choice for an organ-style trio. Bluesy, yet just a little on the jazz side. The groove and solo here let everyone show their soul and chops. There’s a nice cover of Kenny Burrell’s “Chitlins con Carne” that would have Anthony’s fellow UCLA instructor smiling, and his ballad work stands out on “Prelude to a Kiss.”

I’m constantly amazed by Wilson. He’s got all the tools. He’s a great player, a wonderful writer, and an arranger who’s in the top flight of today’s jazz arrangers. If you’re not familiar with his work, check this one, then go get the big-band stuff. If you can’t find it at your local music shop, check groovenote.com.