For a weighty package recorded over a few years--1990 through 1994, all in the comfy basement vibe of the Village Vanguard--and presented in a multi-course meal of seven CDs, Wynton Marsalis's latest release is a surprisingly coherent, and aurally comfortable spin.
Instructions: just pop all the CDs, sequentially, in the CD tray, let 'em play all the way through, and observe the flattering, enjoyable portrait of the controversial so-called conservative in some of his finest hours. The personnel of his septet varies a bit, and the material covers a healthy swath of tunes from historical icons like Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, revisited, and pieces from Marsalis's own pen (including extended suites like "Citi Movement" and "In The Sweet Embrace Of Life"), which tend to make their own humble, overt nods to jazz history. Most importantly, there's an organic identity to this band and its book, and the leader himself pulls off some impressive horn playing in the line of nightclub duty.
Unfortunately, this important addition to the Marsalis's discography could get lost in the shuffle of a twilight-of-the-century year drowning in Marsalis product. That would be a shame, as this is one of the choicest Marsalis albums to date, in all of its relaxed, stretched-out splendor.
Wynton Marsalis Septet: All recordings courtesy of Columbia Records. ÒMidnight In ParisÓ written by B. Strayhorn, courtesy of Tempo Music Inc. (ASCAP). ÒPedro's GetawayÓ and ÒThe Majesty Of The BluesÓ written by W. Marsalis, courtesy of Skaynes Music (ASCAP).
