Search - Wynton Marsalis :: Live at Blues Alley

Still listening

Guy Terry | Little Elm, TX | 07/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wrote the review above, and this disk came up again in a conversation a few weeks ago with tenor saxophonist Brice Winston. Brice and I were in the McDonald's Jazz Band in the summer of 1988, and hadn't seen each other until a concert that I attended at Blues Alley (live near DC now) where Brice was with Terrance Blanchard. After the set, we talked about how both of us had purchased this album since our tour with the McBand, and both of us had worn it completely out on cassette. A common experience for those who are into instrumental jazz that is heavy on improvisation and close musical communication between the musicians. With so many albums these days "studioized," its great to hear improvization rule the roost with some of todays brightest musicians, just as it did on this two CD live set."

A lot of sweat

M. Fant | South Carolina | 05/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There was a lot of sweat that night - or so says the linear notes. You can almost feel the sweat, the raw emotion, through the recording. Engineered brilliantly and performed even more brilliantly, uppity songs like "Knoz moe king" and all of its variations make this cd an amazing buy. It lasts forever - but I listen to it all the way through whenever I start it up -- it works as a whole extrememly well. All the instruments are at their finest.The first track is so fast I love playing it for my trumpet friends just to watch them drool and grow red with envy. Oh well, this dude's talented - and it shows."

I was there......

Wesley N. Norris | Detroit, Michigan | 04/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most definitive recordings ever made. I had the great privelege of being there for the entire run. There was a fantastic "Blues & Ballad" set that was never released from this engagement. It'll be interesting to see if Columbia ever releases these alternative tracks.Skip Norris
Detroit, Michigan"