Record Reviews
1 Review Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | 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 |
|
