From The Plantation To The Penitentiary

Wynton Marsalis

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: March 6, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000MNOXWQ
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #87,182 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
"We running all over the world with a blunderbuss/And the Constitution all but forgot in the fuss," Wynton Marsalis declaims on "Where Y'All At?"--the raucous theatrical finale to From the Plantation to the Penitentiary. As unusual as it may be for the celebrated trumpeter to present himself as a kind of soap box rapper, underwhelmingly taking aim at "supercapitalists," liberals, and rappers alike, the most notable departure here is his prominent feature of a vocalist, young Jennifer Sanon. A winner of the Essentially Ellington high school competition, she has real appeal and is smart, silky-toned, and calmly assured beyond her 21 years. The influence of the mighty Abbey Lincoln is felt in both the directness of her delivery and the soulful expansiveness of the music, performed by a quintet. Though Marsalis gets his time in the spotlight, playing with brittle strength as well as his customary warmth, he is generous in shining a spotlight on his bandmates, including a pair of talented up-and-comers in pianist Dan Nimmer and bassist Carlos Henriquez, drummer Ali Jackson, Jr. and saxophonist Walter Blanding, who, 15 years after being introduced on the "Tough Young Tenors" album and in spite of his stellar contributions to Marsalis' Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, doesn't get the attention he should. --Lloyd Sachs

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Engaging., March 9, 2007

By	Jimmy.M (New York City,USA) - See all my reviews

Wynton Marsalis has never shied away from tackling controversial subjects in his music, but this latest outing may well qualify as his most outspoken and politicised attack on American social division and hypocrisy so far. As the title implies, he takes a withering look at a subject he has broached in depth before, the troubled and violent history of African-Americans, but with a lot more besides.
The excesses of rampant capitalism, the brazen exploitation of the entertainment industry, and the moral and political failings in the nation's leadership (expressed in, of all things for this notorious jazz purist, a spoken rap entitled "Where Y'all At?") all come under intense scrutiny. Four of the album's seven tracks feature his latest protégé, singer Jennifer Sanon, and the trumpeter is supported instrumentally by saxophonist Walter Blanding and a slick rhythm section that sails through the ever-changing rhythm patterns of the music, all carefully specified in the insert notes.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great album, March 12, 2007

By	J. Edwards (maryland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I just recently started getting into the "real" forms of jazz. I grew up mostly listening to smooth jazz and other contemporary forms of jazz. As I've gotten older (I'm 18), I've started to appreciate the older style of jazz much more. Long story short, I love this album. It's very different than what I would have listened to even a year ago, but it's different in a good way.

Marsalis comes across as overly political in the CD, but it's his CD, he can do what he wants with it! And I personally agree with his assessment of where the country is. I also liked his "rap" on one of the tracks and Sanon's voice is amazing. Also, the instrumental side is great. As a saxophonist, it's people like Wynton who inspire me to be better and keep working. In short, buy this CD!!

Joseph Edwards
Saxophonist
[...]

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the plantation to the penthouse, March 13, 2007

By	R. Snider "future-minded fellow" (Richmond, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First, this album is satisfying musically. I enjoy every composition, and my enjoyment is growing. Second, this collection makes a significant political statement that is well worth hearing. Though I haven't stayed abreast of the arguments, I know that Wynton Marsalis has his critics. I am just taking what he's saying on this album -- musically and otherwise -- and judging it on its own merits. Hence, five stars. He attacks much of contemporary American culture, from the political establishment to the hip hop culture, and does so incisively. The album just might turn out to be an important influence for the good, that is, that some people will turn from the objects of his well-deserved scorn and embrace some of the better alternatives that he offers (for example, see "Love and Broken Hearts"). But, of course, it's going to take a whole lot more than one album for us to cast off the all-too-abundant banality and ugliness. Still, here's an effort for the side of truth, goodness, and beauty from an artist who sees much from that high vantage point.