OK, first a disclaimer: no one even knows what the purported originator of jazz, Buddy Bolden, actually sounded like, since there are no recordings of his music. Second, I’m willing to bet a million dollars that he didn’t sound as clean and rich as Wynton Marsalis. Having said that, this 26 song collection of vintage pre-swing material the is the soundtrack to the movie is a thoroughly enjoyable outing, hopefully getting at least a few ears to return to the joyful roots of American Classical Music, namely jazz.
Wynton Marsalis mostly employs members of his JALC Orchestra for the small group ensembles, along with traditional clarinetist Michael White, and rich vocalists Catherine Russell (who’s grandfather actually played with Satchmo), Brianna Thomas, and Louis Armstrong-inspired Reno Wilson.
Russell is amazing on a intimate trio with bowed cellist Julie Bruskin and Marsalis on a riveting “Make Me A Pallet On The Floor,” and is lovely on the lazy vine of “Buddy’s Horn.” Thomas is sassy like Bessie Smith on “Red Hot Mammas” while Wilson is as rich as sorghum as he evokes Armstrong on a fun “You Rascal You” and a take of “Stardust” that points to the original classic version that is still the standard for trumpet players and vocalists.
And speaking of trumpet (or cornet, to be precise) , Marsalis is masterful, bright on the ragtime “Come On Children,” old timey on cornet for “Timelessness” and plunging with the plunger on “Russian Lullabye.” The band is Old World genteel on “Whoa You Heiffer” and funereal on “Black and Blue” while the band gives a wonderfully hectic take of the original read of “Tiger Rag.” Marsalis does a masterful job of keeping the inspiration alive, yet still updating the tone and quality of musicianship, not an easy balance. Check this one out, and have fun dancing to it.