Record Reviews

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ BLUE INTERLUDE WOUNDED BIRD 8729 (Barcode: 664140872929) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1992 Released: 2007 This album finds trumpeter / composer Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist leading a septet, his ultimate vehicle of choice after fronting smaller combos in the first decade of his career. The septet comprised of musicians, who played in his earlier groups with the addition of trombonist Wycliffe GordonFind albums by this artist, and included saxophonists Wes AndersonFind albums by this artist and Todd WilliamsFind albums by this artist, pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Reginald VealFind albums by this artist and drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist. The fact that Marsalis´ ensembles expanded from quartet to septet was consistent with other changes in his musical path where a bigger ensemble became necessary as a tool to enable performing an ever increasingly complex and broad scope of his compositions and sophisticated arrangements. But this album also marks another dramatic change with Marsalis abandoning the idea of writing separate "songs" or "tunes" and moving into creating expanded suites in which the separate parts would be combined into a thematic whole. "Blue InterludeFind albums with this title" was the first of such extended works, comprised of many melodies, moods and rhythmic patterns, glued together by an underlying central musical concept and idea. The music is absolutely stunning and the romantic theme of the work, as it is about love after all, shows the gentle and often humorous side of Marsalis. Stylistically the music is based on the entire heritage of "classic" jazz, from its New Orleans roots and up to the almost symphonic complexity of Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist´s Jazz suites. Marsalis´ handling of the trumpet is breathtaking, but all his cohorts are first class musicians and their individual contributions are excellent throughout. This is a small masterpiece in every aspect and an immensely pleasant listening experience from start to finish. No serious Jazz collection can be complete without this gem being included!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ CITI MOVEMENT WOUNDED BIRD 3324 (Barcode: 664140332423) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1993 Released: 2008 This breathtakingly beautiful album is not only one of best works to date by trumpeter / composer Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist, but also one of the best Jazz recordings of the 1990s and a masterpiece of the genre. Performed by the Marsalis septet, which included trombonist Wycliffe GordonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Wes AndersonFind albums by this artist and Todd WilliamsFind albums by this artist, pianist Eric ReedFind albums by this artist, bassist Reginald VealFind albums by this artist and drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist, this immensely complex body of music was composed as the score for the ballet "Griot New York". The double album includes three musical suites, each of these split into several subsections. In many respects this recording is a culmination of the Marsalis´ career up to that moment as a player, bandleader and most of all as a composer and arranger. The music encompasses a wide stylistic range, covering all subgenres of classic Jazz, from New Orleans, Swing, Bebop and Hard Bop, Modal music and even traces of 1960s Avant-Garde. Well over two hours long, the album includes a myriad of themes and melodies, flowing over ever changing rhythmic patterns and expressing different moods. The orchestration allows for dynamic fluctuations, whereas some fragments are performed by solo piano and others feature the full power of the ensemble with the horns screaming at full blast. Although there are plenty of inspired solos, the music is obviously intended to be in the centre of the listener´s attention, rather than the abilities of the individual performers. With this album Marsalis achieved finally the status of a brilliant composer, which complimented his virtuosic ability as a player, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is much more than a "pretty face" hyped by his label´s PR machine. This album is way more than just a platter with some music on it – it is a sublime lesson in Jazz history and essence, proving the genre´s noble status as intelligent and highly creative Art Form. In times when music is being whored and presented as a worthless mass product for imbeciles, this gem serves as a beacon showing the path for true music. Absolutely essential!

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend

WYNTON MARSALIS ~ TUNE IN TOMORROW… (SOUNDTRACK) WOUNDED BIRD 7044 (Barcode: 664140704428) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 2008 Writing a score for a Hollywood movie was another bold step for trumpeter / composer Wynton MarsalisFind albums by this artist, a part of the process of expanding his milieu and establishing his career as a total musician / composer and now also arranger for a larger ensemble. The music, which is a set of 16 relative short pieces, constitutes a suite, which is coherent and makes sense as a piece of music meant to be listened to separately from the movie, something a very few soundtracks ever achieve. Stylistically it is mostly Blues based, paying a tribute to Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist orchestrations and compositional approach. The arrangements are clever and sophisticated enough to make the entire content flow without a moment of tediousness. The album also marks the first appearance of the new Marsalis Septet, which includes Marsalis, trombonist Wycliffe GordonFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Wes AndersonFind albums by this artist and Todd WilliamsFind albums by this artist, pianist Marcus RobertsFind albums by this artist, bassist Reginald VealFind albums by this artist and drummer Herlin RileyFind albums by this artist. The expanded list of the participants in the recording 16 musicians, including two vocalists: Johnny AdamsFind albums by this artist and Shirley HornFind albums by this artist. The overall atmosphere of the album takes the listener deep into the 1930s, when Jazz was the popular music of the time, played in clubs and dancehalls. Mind you, this is not some kind of "retro" effort, but a conscious and deliberate artistic choice. If Marsalis meant to bring back the glory of that music back and expose it to contemporary listeners, he did extremely well. This is a most enjoyable album, which should bring on a smile of satisfaction, a job well done and a memorable experience. Recommended!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend