Jazz
Why did Branford Marsalis make this record? Because he was asked to do so as part of a retrospective on the artist Romare Bearden and the music that influenced him. That being said, this record, while obviously different in nature than the last several outings by the Branford Marsalis Quartet, is an excellent record that features some of the greatest playing and deepest understanding of the tradition in recent history.
The tunes on this outing are extremely well-chosen and contrary to what other reviewers would have you believe, not a single one of them is part of the mainstream jazz repertoire. They are fresh takes on several original songs, a few old forgotten songs, and several contemporary metrically intricate songs contributed by Jeff "Tain" Watts and Wynton Marsalis. Some are of the belief that emulating bands of the 60s and 70s is "modern" but that revisiting music of the prebop era is old, hackneyed and makes one a "neoclassicist" or one of several other phrases used by critics who have decided to accept foolishness over reality and join the anti-Marsalis family bandwagon.
The playing on this record is some of the finest to date from these brilliant musicians, not only on the first two tracks but also on "J Mood" and Laughin and "Talkin (With Billy Higgins)," which the two negative reviewers must not have listened to. Branford should be applauded for having the integrity to deal with some exceptionally difficult music (both artistically and technically. As an aspiring jazz musician, I can say with some degree of authority that learning to play early swing music well is an inconcievably difficult task. The nuance, phrasing and melodic vocabulary that these men possess is nothing short of astounding and to dismiss such attempts to embrace the tradition of the great American art form that is jazz and blues music is merely the product of ignorance.
For those who have been sold blindly on the idea that the Marsalis family is comprised entirely of nostolgiac men who lack an abiltiy to create contemporary music, I have some suggestions. Buy Wynton Marsalis' "Black Codes"(You will hear that Wynton was doing 20 years ago much of what musicians like Dave Douglas are being celebrated for today). Buy Branford's aptly titled record, "Contemporary Jazz" (wink). It features free music, metrically complex music, and a couple of gorgeous ballads. If you like what you hear, Branford's "Requiem" and Wynton's groundbreaking "Blood on the Fields" are exceptional records.
All said, buy this record, the music speaks for itself.
By Zachary Lipton.
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The Branford Marsalis Quartet's latest release pays homage to one of America's least known but most inventive artists: Romare Bearden. The artist's central medium was collage which fused paint, clippings, paper and other materials into powerful visual works that are now on display across the country in venues such as the Smithsonian, colleges, and prestigious galleries. Born in North Carolina, Bearden moved to Harlem in 1914 where his love for jazz combined with the fertile atmosphere of artists and musicians of the era flourished. The music of Romare Bearden Revealed challenges listeners to see the music and viewers to hear the paintings.
The music successfully captures the essence of Bearden's art by bringing certain pieces to sound. Bearden's rich historical background comes to life aurally on selections such as the 1938 Cotton club Revue "I'm Slappin' Seventh Avenue"' and the elegant "Seabreeze," which were both written by the great Duke Ellington. A rustic and "down home" feel is portrayed on "B's Paris Blues" and "Autumn Lamp."
The musicians for the recording include Branford's main quartet as well as guest musicians Doug Wamble, Harry Connick Jr, and other members of the Marsalis family. Harry Connick provides memorable piano work on "Carolina Shout." Wynton shines bright appears on "J Mood" and "Laughing and Talkin' (with Higg)" which reflect on later works by Bearden. Branford and his quartet are in their usual tight form with impeccable, authentic performances that bring Bearden's art to sound. By both listening to the music and hopefully viewing some of Romare Bearden's work it may be easy to see and hear the creative connection between the music and the artist.
By Mark F. Turner
**
Quartet;
Branford Marsalis- Saxophones;
Joey Calderazzo- Piano;
Eric Revis- Bass
Jeff Tain Watts- Drums
Guests;
Harry Connick Jr- Piano
Delfeayo Marsalis- Trombone
Ellis Marsalis- Piano
Jason Marsalis- Drums
Wynton Marsalis- Trumpet
Reginald Veal- Bass
Doug Wamble- Guitar.
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01. I´m Slappin' Seventh Avenue
02. Jungle Blues
03. Seabreeze
04. J Mood
05. B's Paris Blues
06. Autumn Lamp
07. Steppin' On The Blues
08. Laughin´& Talkin'(with Higg)
09. Carolina Shout
**
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