Wynton Marsalis: The Spiritual Side Of Wynton Marsalis
Author: Kevin Le Gendre
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Musicians: |
Wynton Marsalis (t) |
Label: |
Columbia |
Magazine Review Date: |
March/2014 |
RecordDate: |
1991-1999 |
If the accusatory shouts of ‘jazz conservative’ have drowned out Marsalis' achievements as a classical composer then his feats in the world of gospel music have been also somewhat glossed over. And yet the albums that the trumpeter has recorded that draw on the tradition of the Negro Spiritual are among some of his most accomplished. Indeed, the performance of ‘All Rise’ at the Royal Albert Hall in the aftermath of Katrina was one of his best concerts in Britain to date. This compilation provides a worthwhile overview of Marsalis' engagement with sacred music throughout the 1990s. While the work of a string of excellent vocalists, from Shirley Caesar to Cassandra Wilson, stands out, several of the instrumental performances are interesting for the way they infuse the reverence of gospel with the sensuality that flows from Marsalis' formative years spent playing for dancers. If the spirit is willing, then the flesh, by way of several lyrical solos, does not appear entirely weak. As this work demonstrates, the two serve each other very well, from a musical point of view.

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