"I never could understand why most critics believe Wynton Marsalis took a huge step back with his "Soul Gestures In Southern Blue" recordings. I am even more baffled on as to why they consider this installment (vol 3) to be the weakest of the series. I personally believe "Levee Low Moan" is one of Wynton's finest, and I think it is a much more solid entry than "Joe Cool's Blues", any of his "Standard Time" recordings, and even "Black Codes".ALL of the songs on this album are memorable. There is some serious swinging on the title track and a MUCH improved version of "So This Is Jazz, Huh?" Perhaps the crown jewel of this album is "Superb Starling": an odd-metered beauty of a ballad featuring beautiful lyricism and a smoldering saxophone duel that will make you fall in love with jazz all over again. The album overall also includes some beautiful piano work, courtesy of Marcus Roberts."Levee Low Moan" is easily Marsalis's most overlooked and most underappreciated album. Give this album a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised."
Outstanding
Chris | Coopersburg, PA USA | 07/07/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I purchased this CD largely due to the other Amazon reviews. I own more than ten Marsalis recordings and this is by far the best, probably in my entire music collection. All five songs are excellent. It is the most relaxing, well though-out album ever. Not one musician misses a note, and the balance of the instruments is perfect. It is a better representation of jazz than other Marsalis recordings because the trumpet playing is excellent, yet every other instrument is given just as much time in the songs and is played with just as much skill. 5 stars."
An undisputed Masterpiece.....
fosgood | Not in Kansas | 01/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Put on some headphones and set this cd on repeat. I loved Jmood and Black Codes, but this is the Wynton that I love. Easily my favorite album of all time and I love everything from Prince, to Marilyn Manson, to Swedish Komeda, and Miles. I have turned many people onto this disc, especially horn players of all walks who are just blown away by this. What are you waiting for; find out what it's all about."
In the House of Williams
rwsandqmi | Suitland, MD USA | 01/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Ellington -- meets Blakey and his Messengers -- meets the Miles Smiles Quintet -- distilled via the excellent early nineties sextet of the grand eminence and standard bearer of jazz, Mr. Marsalis. Thoroughly satisfying composition and ensemble work throughout, highlighted in my opinion by the Todd Williams penned "In the House of Williams" which would make a dead jazz lover shout!
Mr. Marsalis seems to elicit polar reactions from critics and the public. Musically speaking, Marsalis is the truth. End of discussion.
He's supremely talented. He's done his homework -- and then some. He is the direct linkage to, descendent from, and obvious heir of the most serious, talented and prolific progenitors of this American popular and classical artform.
Marsalis is no gimmick, fad or one trick pony. His vision is wide; his accumulated knowledge and studied understanding of his chosen artform runs deep. He is a preeminent instrumentalist, composer and ensemble leader. He is a musical and cultural intellectual. History will assuredly prove his critics both shortsighted and tasteless.
Armstrong, Ellington, Bird, Monk, Miles, Trane, Marsalis? Who else in the last twenty years has come close to responsibly assuming any part of this mantle?
Better ask somebody, or better yet listen for yourself -- then get on board, or get left behind.
If you haven't already, especially for those who feel Marsalis belabors traditionalism, don't sleep on his Citi Movement or The Marciac Suite.