Record Reviews

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ J MOOD WOUNDED BIRD 4308 (Barcode: 664140430822) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1986 Released: 2007 Following the departure of saxophonist Branford MarsalisFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist tightened his group into a quartet. The decision at the time not to replace Branford with another saxophonist and create a trumpet quartet, seemingly a more limited musical vehicle, was a completely conscious one and as far as Wynton was concerned he needed to concentrate the attention totally on his performances, polishing his technique and pushing his skills as player and composer beyond anything previously witnessed. The quartet with excellent new pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert HurstFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff WattsFind albums by this artist became an incredibly tight unit, able to deliver music of the highest quality and always challenging the listener with its virtuosity and intelligence. Wynton´s compositions became more flexible and presented a wider scope of emotional delivery. This album presents a gentler, more lyrical Wynton, playing mostly his original compositions, most of which are slow tempo ballads. The relaxed and almost lush atmosphere of the music brings up gentle memories of some of the early Miles DavisFind albums by this artist work, but Wynton plays more around with the sound as opposed to Miles dance with timing. The rhythm section is simply perfect. Roberts arises as one of the greatest pianist of the era, which he later proved time after time on his solo recordings, delivering incredible solos and superb accompaniment. Hurst and Watts keep the timing like an atomic clock, but allow enough of creative delivery to keep the music interesting not only on the melodic level, but on the rhythmic level as well. Overall this is a "perfect" Jazz album in every sense – everything is just right on and everything clicks in perfect harmony. Although rarely mentioned as a classic Jazz recording, perhaps due to the fact that it lacks the groundbreaking element of radical innovation, nevertheless this is a Classic (with a capital C), worthy of a honorable place in any serious Jazz collection.

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ LIVE AT BLUES ALLEY WOUNDED BIRD 4675 (Barcode: 664140467521) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1986 Released: 2007 Recorded live during a couple of nights at the Washington, D.C. club Blues Alley, this album captures 25 years old trumpeter / composer / bandleader Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist and his quartet doing their thing. Marsalis was already a "living legend", after spending the last half decade in the epicenter of public (Jazz and otherwise) eye. Behind him a series of Jazz and Classical Music recordings, received with almost universal applause and a long string of standing ovations at clubs and concert halls, which fallowed his live appearances. It was time to share the excitement of a live performance with a wider audience via a live recording and perhaps prove once and for all that the "living legend" status was not hype, but was based on solid grounds. The quartet, which earlier that year recorded the splendid "J MoodFind albums with this title" album, consisted of Marsalis, pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert HurstFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff WattsFind albums by this artist. The double album presents the music at the natural order of performance (with obvious editing), with each of the two records covering a separate night, two sets each night. This results in some of the tunes to be repeated twice, which of course is highly educational, as the performances are completely different, as appropriate for Jazz. The music, mostly written by Marsalis, with a few standards included as well, is mostly up tempo, which suits better a live performance situation and perhaps purposely allows the leader to "show off", proving his point. Regardless of the background information, hidden agendas and other less relevant factors, the music captured on this album is absolutely outstanding, turning it into one of the best live Jazz albums ever recorded. Wynton plays like a Greek God, with flow, technique, sound and virtuosity unparalleled by any of his peers, hitting the high register with might and sustain worthy of Maynard FergusonFind albums by this artist. The pianist delivers incredible solos, full of sublime contents both lyrically and rhythmically and the bass / drums backbone drives the music at a neck-breaking speed with elegance and zest. Whatever one might think of Wynton Marsalis as a person becomes completely irrelevant in view of the music presented here – he is a phenomenal performer and a great asset to the music, which really is all that matters. Absolutely essential piece of music!

CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ THICK IN THE SOUTH: SOUL GESTURES IN SOUTHERN BLUE VOL. 1 WOUNDED BIRD 7977 (Barcode: 664140797727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1991 Released: 2008 Just ten years after he first appeared on the scene as a solo artist bandleader, trumpeter / composer / bandleader Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist could present a résumé, which was unprecedented in Jazz history and was by far more impressive than many lifetime achievements by his peers. Twenty albums with Jazz and Classical Music recordings, countless performances around the world, numerous compositions, prizes and awards, all these wrapped up and commercialized by an intensive PR campaign by his record label ColumbiaFind albums on this label, presented a renaissance musician, a role model and a superstar. Marsalis was just 30 years old and his ego and probably his conscience drove him incessantly to prove himself worthy of this superstar status. His musical projects became ever more complex and encompassing and Columbia indulged him in view of his success. The album trilogy, entitled "Soul Gestures In Southern BlueFind albums with this title", was Marsalis´ final project about the sources of Jazz, New Orleans Blues / Jazz connections and the emergence of modern Jazz from this primeval genealogy. For this, the first of the three albums, Marsalis formed an ad-hoc quintet by inviting legendary saxophonist Joe HendersonFind albums by this artist to play with him, supported by his regular rhythm session comprising of pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Robert HurstFind albums by this artist and drummer Jeff WattsFind albums by this artist. On a couple of tracks Watts was replaced by another Jazz legend Elvin JonesFind albums by this artist. The quintet performs five Marsalis´ compositions, which are designed to allow for extensive improvisations and interplay between the players. The music is intense and dramatic, revealing the composer´s tendency to intensify his music towards a more "chamber" direction, with layers of sound intertwined into the harmonic structure. Marsalis, Henderson and Roberts play some brilliant solos throughout the album and the overall level of musicianship is simply breathtaking. Surprisingly (or may be not) the trilogy received "icy" reviews, again accusing Marsalis of imitating or being overly influenced by Miles Davis in this project. In my view Marsalis at this point was completely cured from the Miles complex and if these recordings have anything to do with Miles, they are a loving tribute to the Masters legacy, not an imitation. Brilliant stuff!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend