Taking a break from a morning of composing music, Wilson spoke on the phone about his life in music, his love of San Jose and the birthday that he would celebrate later that evening after a performance in Boulder, Colo.

By the looks of Wilson's résumé, he could be considered the other hardest working man in show business—well, at least in the world of jazz.

As San Jose Jazz Society's first artist in residence, the Grammy-nominated trombonist and composer has been shaping the sound of the society's annual festival since 2001. This in addition to leading the trombone section of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, directing the University of Michigan Jazz Lab Ensemble, Jazz Trombone Ensemble and Jazz Flute Ensemble and coordinating the school's annual jazz festival.

His influence this year is sure to be felt at the gala fundraiser at Santana Row on Aug. 7. The first event in the festival's 14-year history to be held outside of downtown San Jose, Wilson is well aware of the controversy the change in venue may cause but it's a risk he is willing to support when considering the potential payoff for the jazz society.

"I love downtown—that's where I stay and that's where I eat," said Wilson, insisting on his loyalty to the community that supports the annual festival. "We will still have the free festival downtown, but if the jazz society doesn't find ways to bring money in, the concerts won't be free anymore."

Corporate sponsorships go a long way in making the series of concerts happen over the weekend, but members of the nonprofit group hope to raise a significant amount of money at the gala event. The change of scenery allows for an outdoor setting that can accommodate more people than the San José Repertory Theatre, where previous opening nights have been held.

General admission prices for the opening night concert are $40 for jazz society members and $50 for nonmembers. For premium concert seating and the reception, prices are $100 for jazz society members and $125 for nonmembers. Performances by the Count Basie Orchestra featuring Nnenna Freelon and several all-star student groups will be the main attraction at the party, kicking off the festival.

Wilson, like so many San Jose residents, wonders why an event that attracts more than 150,000 jazz festival attendees takes place in a community without a full-time jazz venue.

"Obviously someone wants to see some jazz," Wilson said.

A diverse offering of jazz styles attracts large crowds every year. Music lovers find straight-ahead jazz bands performing American classics, as well as soulful singers and a colorful mix of sounds originating from Brazil, the Caribbean, Cuba and Puerto Rico.

This year will be no different in terms of the variety of musical styles. Wilson hopes the opening night concert with the Basie Orchestra and Nnenna Freelon will strike the right chord with audiences.

"Instead of getting someone like Winton Marsalis to perform with the Basie Orchestra, we have a vocalist," said Wilson. "I've learned that some people just really respond better to the words."

For five years, Wilson had been teasing Freelon with his idea to have her sing a special song that Sarah Vaughan had given him nearly two decades ago. His "great idea" comes to fruition on Aug. 7.

"This is the start of something big," said Wilson of the collaboration, which will mark the centennial anniversary of the Basie Orchestra. "We had to hold off because it had to be done at a special time," he said.

The 14th annual jazz festival will be held at various venues in downtown San Jose. Most concerts are free. For concert times, visit www.sanjosejazz.org. For tickets to the opening night gala, call 408.288.7557, ext. 2328.