I’m sure that one of the last adjectives that would come to your mind when describing trumpeting icon Wynton Marsalis would be “spiritual.” Yet, on second thought, remember that in his gigantic catalogue (he put out 11 albums ALONE in 1999-not to mention a gazillion disc “live” set!) he’s created not only the Pulitzer Prize winning Blood On The Fields, but In This House, On This Morning as well as Rosewood and Sweet Release and Ghost Story. Selections from these albums, as well as previously unreleased take of Thomas Dorsey’s “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” with Eric Reed/p and Marion Williams make for an enlightening perspective of Mr Marsalis. Much of the instrumental pieces such as “All Rise” and “Processional” have a classic Crescent City bounce to them, while “Awakening” includes some reflective flute work. A meditative “Hymn” hits the right spot, and if you want some holy rollin’, look no further than the hand raising “In The Sweet Embrace of Life Sermon.” This collection sounds a bit more provincial than the ecumenical Ellington Sacred Concerts, but that’s part of the charm of this album, as it reflects the eyes of a man from the New Orleans church and streets.
Columbia Records