LINCOLN CENTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH WYNTON MARSALIS - Cast Of Cats (2003) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This CD is different than it appears at first glance. Although Cast of Cats is listed as being by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, in reality the 13 selections, all originals by Marsalis, feature one musician apiece with backing by pianist Bill Charlap, bassist Carlos Henríquez, and drummer Herlin Riley. In other words, these are a series of quartet performances. Trumpeter Marsalis is only heard on the opening "Raise Yo' Heads," a fairly simple swing piece with a New Orleans feel. In addition there is one feature apiece for baritone saxophonist Joe Temperly, trumpeter Ryan Kisor, tenor saxophonist Walter Blanding, pianist Charlap, trombonist Andre Hayward, Ted Nash (tenor, alto, and flute), trombonist Ronald Weztray, altoist Wess Anderson, bassist Henríquez, trombonist Vincent Gardner, trumpeter Marcus Printup, and Victor Goines on tenor. The music ranges from advanced swing, to quirky hard bop originals and moody ballads. It is doubtful if any of Marsalis' originals will become standards in the future, since none of the melodies are particularly memorable although the musicians play well enough, mostly without showing a great deal of individuality. Available from the Brooks Brothers clothing chain, Cast of Cats is listenable although it falls far short of being essential. Scott Yanow  
Tracklist :
1    Raise Yo' Hands    4:05
 Wynton Marsalis
2    This I Believe    3:56
 Wynton Marsalis
3    Chocolate Cherries    3:27
 Wynton Marsalis
4    Gentleness    6:10
 Wynton Marsalis
5    Quilt Tilt    2:51
 Wynton Marsalis
6    Big Brother    4:32
 Wynton Marsalis
7    The Bridge Maker    4:17
 Wynton Marsalis
8    Tricky    3:44
 Wynton Marsalis
9    Let Us Pray    4:34
 Wynton Marsalis
10    Extra Celestial    3:18
 Wynton Marsalis
11    Side Gliding    3:58
 Wynton Marsalis
12    Soul Horn Song    3:59
 Wynton Marsalis
13    In The Heat Of Battle    4:29
 Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Wess "Warmdaddy" Anderson (pistas: 9)
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Ted Nash (pistas: 7)
Baritone Saxophone – Joe Temperly (pistas: 2)
Bass – Carlos Henriquez
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Bill Charlap
Tenor Saxophone – Victor Goines (pistas: 13), Walter Blanding (pistas: 4)
Trombone – Andre Hayward (pistas: 6), Ronald Westray (pistas: 8), Vincent Gardner (pistas: 11)
Trumpet – Marcus Printup (pistas: 12), Wynton Marsalis (pistas: 1)