Jazz Guitar Masters show promises a triple-treat

Guitar fans around the world have admired the performances of Russell Malone, Peter Sprague and Anthony Wilson, whether live or on record. But Thursday’s Bayside Summer Nights Jazz Guitar Masters concert at the Embarcadero will apparently mark the first time all three of these six-string virtuosos have shared a stage.

That should make the concert a triple-treat. Attendees will be able to hear individual sets by Malone, Sprague and Wilson. Each will be accompanied by the ace rhythm section of bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Willie Jones III.

To conclude the evening, the three guitarists will team up for a grand finale, much like Eric Reed, Helen Sung and San Diego sensation Joshua White did to conclude January’s Jazz Piano Masters: A Tribute to Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum and Bud Powell musical trifecta at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Music Center’s Copley Symphony Hall.

Thursday’s concert, like January’s, is presented under the auspices of the San Diego Symphony. The lineups for both were carefully put together by top trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, the artistic curator for the symphony’s jazz programming. However, unlike the Jazz Piano Masters show, tonight’s Jazz Guitar Masters performance is not a salute to any specific artists.

“Honestly, there’s no theme. I just want to put my three favorite guitarists together,” Castellanos said. “I’m giving all of them the liberty to do what they want with their choice of repertoire, so it will be interesting to see what happens with this combination of musicians.”

Castellanos has chosen well.

Malone, Sprague and Wilson are all first-rate players, with distinct and broad-ranging styles. Each has earned critical acclaim. Each boasts an impressive list of credits.

Sprague has taught and mentored many musicians here. In addition to making numerous solo albums, he has worked with such jazz giants as saxophonist Sonny Rollins, keyboardist Chick Corea and singer Al Jarreau. His most recent release, last year’s “Dream Walkin’,” is a splendid duo outing with top San Diego singer Leonard Patton.

Wilson is best known as Diana Krall’s longtime guitarist. He has also teamed with everyone from Paul McCartney and Barbra Streisand to Willie Nelson, Queen Latifah and a slew of jazz greats. His latest album, “Frogtown,” was released in May and is his first to feature him singing as well as playing guitar.

Malone preceded Wilson as Krall’s guitarist of choice. Like Sprague, he has worked with sax titan Rollins. His other credits include Wynton Marsalis, Gary Burton, B.B. King and Harry Connick Jr. His most recent album, “All About Melody,” came out in March. By coincidence, it features Jones, the drummer for Thursday’s concert (and a former band mate of Castellanos in the Black Note Quintet).

Also by coincidence, I was sitting near Sprague when Malone performed here at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in 1998 as a member of Krall’s trio. We were both dazzled by Malone’s sterling musicianship, just as I have been each time I’ve heard Wilson play with Krall in subsequent years and Sprague on his own.

Hmmm.

Might Sprague — who in recent years has toured with Dianne Reeves — be next in line to play with Krall? Either way, expect sparks to fly when he, Wilson and Malone share the stage here.