Recorded at: Blues Alley, Washington, D.C. (1986)
Jazz
This double album features the great trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and his 1986 quartet, a unit featuring pianist Marcus Roberts, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. Although Marsalis during this period still hinted strongly at Miles Davis, his own musical personality was starting to finally shine through. With the versatile Marcus Roberts (who thus far has been the most significant graduate from Marsalis's groups), Wynton Marsalis was beginning to explore older material, including on this set "Just Friends," and "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?" other highlights include lengthy workouts on "Au Privave" and Kenny Kirkland's "Chambers of Tain." This two-fer is recommended, as are virtually all of Wynton Marsalis's recordings.
By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide.
**
This review will NOT discuss: 1) whether Wynton is the natural successor to Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, or anybody, and 2) any statements made by Mr. Marsalis or his bandmates regarding politics and/or jazz music in general since this recording was made.
This album, recorded in December 1986, was released 2 years later and mostly ignored. By the age of 25, Wynton had conquered both the classical world and the PBS crowd, and had played with almost everybody. He was recording a group of standards albums for Columbia when someone decided it was time for a double live set. The only problem was, double live sets weren't selling anymore, even though jazz was experiencing a 15-minute window where it became an acceptable yuppie diversion. Since this time, Wynton has almost never performed in the quartet format, preferring much larger ensembles. Consider this album to be a time capsule - if you can set aside the Marsalis baggage, and love the trumpet or jazz in general, you will be greatly rewarded.
Even though fanatical devotees will sneer he has left these performances in the dust, this concert is a virtual encyclopedia of Wynton's style. Listen to 1000-notes-a-minute in the opening "Knozz-Moe-King", his use of mutes on "Just Friends" and "Cherokee", his subtle shift from fluid to shrill in "Chambers of Tain", and his long opening solo in Charlie Parker's "Au Privave". At the time of this recording, no one else in jazz was playing like this. You cannot discuss jazz trumpet in the late-1980s without mentioning Wynton, and these performances show why. It's easy to want to compare pianist Marcus Roberts with Hancock/Monk/Tyner/Jarrett et al, but the man absolutely has his own impeccable style. Almost every solo he takes is a jaw-dropper, but special mention must be given to the intensity of his trade-offs with Wynton on "Delfeayo's Dilemma". As for the rhythm section, bassist Robert Leslie Hurst III and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts both are solid contributors and shine in their solos. These are no mere "backing musicians".
While some will make note of the "out there" free cover of "Autumn Leaves", or the over-the-top versions of "Skain's Domain" and "Much Later" (both from the wonderful J-Mood album), the real stunner is the heart-breaking "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?" This is a perfect example of the haunting "after hours" ballads that Wynton does so well, and sadly so rarely. The mournful "closin'time" tone of his horn has to be heard to be believed.
What might not be to everyone's taste is the fact this album was recorded with what I call the "retro" mix: piano in the left-channel, drums in the right-channel, with the trumpet and bass occupying the middle ground. Because this album was not a huge hit, nor has become a cult favorite, it's unlikely to receive a remix/remaster. For those who are put off by the almost 2-hours length, listen to one disk on one night, the other disk on the next, and double your pleasure. In spite of any imperfections, that Wynton was able to make an album like this when everyone else was exploring pop/world music/new age/avant-garde and large ensembles is a true miracle. Listen, remember, marvel, and enjoy!
By Steve Wyzard.
**
Marcus Roberts- (Piano),
Robert Hurst- (Bass),
Jeff "Tain" Watts- (Drums),
Wynton Marsalis- (Trumpet),
Delfeayo Marsalis- (Mixing),
Jason Marsalis- (Special Edits).
**
Cd 1:
01. Knozz-Moe-King 6:06
02. Just Friends 8:21
03. Knozz-Moe-King 3:52
04. Juan 7:33
05. Cherokee 2:50
06. Delfeayo's Dilemma 9:20
07. Chambers Of Tain 15:11
08. Juan (E. Mustaad) 2:56
*
Cd 2:
01. Au Privave 14:38
02. Knozz-Moe-King 2:37
03. Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans 11:30
04. Juan (Skip Mustaad) 3:15
05. Autumn Leaves 9:41
06. Knozz-Moe-King 3:48
07. Skain's Domain 9:40
08. Much Later 6:15
**
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