Record Reviews

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!

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