Customer Reviews

Wynton Marsalis

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This, the debut album of perhaps the most influential jazz musician in the world, was recorded in 1982, when he was but nineteen years old. It features three of his own original compositions, as well as those of bandmembers Herbie Hancock (piano), Ron Carter (bass) and Tony Williams (drums). They, along with his brother Branford Marsalis (tenor sax) form an unbelievably tight group that plays with deadly precision and a musical maturity that transcends interpretation. The compositions are startingly creative, many with reflective or enigmatic untertones. The improvisations are handled masterfully; this was perhaps the first group since the sixties to really take group improvisation seriously. The players perform as a group unit, using each other's ideas in their own solos to give the music continuity. The rhythm section is especially precise, masterfully handling the complex counterpoint that jazz musicians have come to expect from Marsalis compositions. There is an unbelievable raphor between the Marsalis brothers who, having played together for so many years, seem to feed off of one another. Their technical virtuosity, even at such young ages, is so amazing and effortless that this listener often forgets just how difficult the passages are. The most impressive track on the CD is the beautiful ballad "Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)." Here, Marsalis showcases his amazing Miles Davis-like ability to breathe exciting life into the most simple phrases, milking every note for all its emotional worth and directly addressing the ambiguity of human life. All in all, the album brings the magnificent phenomenon of swing back to life. In an era of funk rhythms and hard rock, Marsalis dared to be sophisticated, tasteful, and skillful, and this is the perfect way to start or augment any jazz collection. As Marsalis himself would say, "It was swinging. It started off swinging, it kept on swinging, and those who heard it will remember it."

I bought this album on cassette in Pensacola, Florida in March of 1985. I have replaced that copy on cassette and cd several times. Wynton has been knocked, often by me, for not swinging, not being a true bop player, etc. I think that this self-titled album is one of the greatest jazz albums ever made. I say this after having listened to the album hundreds of times and after comparing it to other Wynton albums. Perhaps it's the nostalgia from highschool, but this album has withstood my every criticism. Everybody swings, the tunes are great (even the ballads) and solos are accessible and educational. Check out the Rhythm tune Hesitation. I say buy this puppy and dig it over and over again until you can sing the solos.

After listening to most of Wynton's recordings , ( it's 2004 ) , this is still my favorite and The Best he has given to us Jazz Lovers . Up there with Kind of Blue and The Birth of Kool . Flawless perfomances by the greatest Jazz musicians of our time . Enjoy ...

Is it coincidence that the best album that Wynton made has the rythm section of the Prince of Darkness (Miles)? Hummm...i wonder.

This is definitely one of my favorite jazz albums. Like other reviewers here, I wonder if it's due to having listened to it 1000s of times and just growing used to it as a part of my life. Nonetheless, I hope that it gets re-issued so that more people can grab a copy and find out for themselves.

I personally feel this is one of Wynton's best product. I wanted this one for quite awhile now and now that I have it my listeners of my radio show is lovin' it!!!!!!! SistahSolo on the [...]