MARCUS ROBERTS – If I Could Be With You (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is one of Marcus Roberts' finest all-around recordings. The set of solo piano improvisations features Roberts performing many older tunes (including "Maple Leaf Rag" and four James P. Johnson tunes) plus some of his originals, showing off his stride technique. Roberts' right hand borders on the miraculous, while his left often breaks up rhythms, jumping one beat ahead or behind purposely for short stretches and adding tension to the performance. Among the CD's highlights are "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," "Carolina Shout," "Keep Off the Grass," "What Is This Thing Called Love," and Roberts' "Preach, Reverend, Preach." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    In A Southern Sense    0:43
 Marcus Roberts
2    Just A Closer Walk With Thee    1:54
 Traditional
3    Maple Leaf Rag    2:52
 Scott Joplin
4    Arkansas Blues    4:14
 Anton Lada / Spencer Williams
5    Carolina Shout    3:37
 James P. Johnson
6    Embraceable You    3:11
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
7    Moonlight In Vermont    4:18
 John Blackburn / Karl Suessdorf
8    Keep Off The Grass    3:26
 James P. Johnson
9    Rippling Waters    4:44
 Marcus Roberts
10    Sweet Repose    1:53
 Marcus Roberts
11    Country Blues    3:40
 Marcus Roberts
12    If I Could Be With You (One Hour Tonight)    1:59
 Henry Creamer / James P. Johnson
13    Let's Call This    2:15
 Thelonious Monk
14    Everytime We Say Goodbye    3:13
 Cole Porter
15    What Is This Thing Called Love    3:58
 Cole Porter
16    Mood Indigo    8:13
 Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington / Irving Mills
17    Preach, Reverend Preach    4:28
 Marcus Roberts
18    Snowy Morning Blues    3:37
 Marcus Roberts
19    Fascination    3:56
 James P. Johnson
20        In A Southern Sense    9:26
 Marcus Roberts
Credits :
Piano [Solo Piano] – Marcus Roberts

ELVIN JONES SPECIAL QUARTET — Tribute To John Coltrane " A Love Supreme" (1994) WV (image+.cue), lossless

Recorded live at a Tokyo nightclub, the "special" in special quartet is trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Functioning as the lone horn in the ensemble and supported by two of his former sidemen, pianist Marcus Roberts and bassist Reginald Veal, in a group led by one of jazz's greatest drummers, Marsalis' improvisational abilities are displayed prominently on this program of two John Coltrane compositions, one by Marsalis, and a swinging rendition of "Happy Birthday" for a member of the audience. The highlight of this recording is a 47-minute version of the first three movements of Coltrane's "A Love Supreme." Whether ripping off fast runs or blaring held high notes, Marsalis shows himself as a player deserving of his notoriety. Jones is his usual powerful polyrhythmic self, while Roberts and Veal offer solid support. The rest of the program includes Coltrane's ballad "Dear Lord" and Marsalis' tribute to Jones, "Blues for Veen." An essential recording for Jones and Marsalis completists. Greg Turner
Tracklist :
1    A Love Supreme: Pt. 1 Acknowledgement/Pt. 2 Resolution/Pt. 3 Pursuance 47:16
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
2    Dear Lord 6:32
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – J. Coltrane
3    Happy Birthday For "Yuka" 7:24
Traditional
Arranged By – Elvin Jones
4    Blues To Veen 15:04
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
Composed By – W. Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums, Music Director – Elvin Jones
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Trumpet, Guest [Special Guest Artist] – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - J Moods (1986) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis pared his band down to a mere quartet for these sessions, which express a "J" mood that is alternately filled with melancholy or fired up with dogged determination. Either way, the passion of jazz and the individuality of Marsalis are present on this, one of his finest efforts. Pianist Marcus Roberts plays with an originality that goes beyond his more recognized interpretive style, while bassist Bob Hurst and drummer Jeff Watts are locked in tight and never let loose, no matter the tempo. The recording starts with the slow, pensive, and bluesy swing of the title track and "Presence That Lament Brings." The pretty ballad "Melodique" is one of the more beautiful muted trumpet constructs of Wynton's early career, while the lugubriously slow "After" is more difficult to play than most would suspect. The opposite end of the spectrum brings burners like the wild "Insane Asylum," featuring a positively charged and inspired Watts; the spirited signature Marsalis modal neo-bopper "Skain's Domain," which has Roberts and Hurst joined at the hip; and Watts on brushes exclusively stoking the fire of the hard bopper "Much Later." As heard on this solid recording from top to bottom, with a stance that expresses no middle range (it's either all or nothing), this group, with no other front-line horn and no brother Branford Marsalis, may have offered the then-young trumpeter one of the more bold challenges developing his individual voice. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1     J Mood 8'35
Wynton Marsalis
2     Presence That Lament Brings 5'53
Wynton Marsalis / Marcus Roberts
3     Insane Asylum 6'34
D. Brown / Wynton Marsalis
4     Skain's Domain 6'30
Wynton Marsalis
5     Melodique 4'32
Wynton Marsalis
6     After 6'10
Ellis Marsalis / Wynton Marsalis
7     Much Later 4'36
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Robert Leslie Hurst III
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Crescent City Christmas Card (1989) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Due to some of his statements, Wynton Marsalis gained the reputation of not having much of a sense of humor but the picture of him on this album (plus the music in general) dispelled that notion. Marsalis and his expanded septet (which welcomed such guests as clarinetist Alvin Batiste, baritonist Joe Temperley and, on one song apiece, singers Jon Hendricks and Kathleen Battle) clearly have a good time on this joyous and unpredictable set of holiday cheer. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Carol of the Bells 4'56
Mykola Leontovych / Traditional
2     Silent Night 4'47
Franz Gruber / Joseph Mohr
3     Hark! The Herald Angels Sing 3'09
Felix Mendelssohn / Charles Wesley
4     Little Drummer Boy 5'29
Katherine K. Davis / Henry Onerati / Henry Onorati / Harry Simeone
5     We the Three Kings 5'22
John Henry Hopkins, Jr.
6     Oh Tannenbaum 1'39
Traditional
7     Sleigh Ride 4'29
Leroy Anderson / Mitchell Parish
8     Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! 4'20
Sammy Cahn / Jule Styne
9     God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen 5'43
Traditional
10     Winter Wonderland 2'55
Felix Bernard / Dick Smith
11     Jingle Bells 3'23
James Pierpont
12     O Come All Ye Faithful 1'37
Frederick Oakeley / John Reading / John Francis Wade
13     'Twas the Night Before Christmas 8'07
Clement Clarke Moore / Traditional
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Wes Anderson (pistas: 1 To 8, 11, 13)
Bass – Reginald Veal (pistas: 1 To 5, 7, 8, 11, 13)
Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone – Joe Temperley (pistas: 1 To 4, 8, 13)
Clarinet – Alvin Batiste (pistas: 1 To 4, 8, 13), Todd Williams (pistas: 9)
Drums – Ben Riley (pistas: 5, 7, 11, 10), Herlin Riley (pistas: 1 To 4, 8, 13)
Piano – Marcus Roberts (pistas: 1 To 4, 7, 8, 10 To 13)
Soprano Vocals – Kathleen Battle (pistas: 2)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Todd Williams (pistas: 1 To 8, 10, 11, 13)
Trombone – Wycliffe Gordon (pistas: 1 To 8, 11, 13)
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis (pistas: 1 To 8, 10, 11, 13)
Vocals – Jon Hendricks (pistas: 7)

WYNTON MARSALIS QUARTET - Live at Blues Alley (1988) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This double album features the great trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and his 1986 quartet, a unit featuring pianist Marcus Roberts, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. Although Marsalis during this period still hinted strongly at Miles Davis, his own musical personality was starting to finally shine through. With the versatile Marcus Roberts (who thus far has been the most significant graduate from Marsalis's groups), Wynton Marsalis was beginning to explore older material, including on this set "Just Friends," and "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?" other highlights include lengthy workouts on "Au Privave" and Kenny Kirkland's "Chambers of Tain." This two-fer is recommended, as are virtually all of Wynton Marsalis's recordings. Scott Yanow
Tracklist 1 :
1     Knozz-Moe-King 6'03
Wynton Marsalis        
2     Just Friends 8'22
John Klenner / Sam M. Lewis    
3     Knozz-Moe-King (Interlude) 3'52
Wynton Marsalis
4     Juan 7'33
Marcus Roberts / Jeff "Tain" Watts
5     Cherokee 2'50
Ray Noble
6     Delfeayo's Dilemma 9'20
Wynton Marsalis
7     Chambers of Tain 15 15'12
Kenny Kirkland
8     Juan (E Mustaad) 2'56
Marcus Roberts / Jeff "Tain" Watts
Tracklist 2 :
1     Au Privave 14'35
Charlie Parker
2     Knozz-Moe-King (Interlude) 2'38
Wynton Marsalis
3     Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans? 11'30
Louis Alter / Eddie DeLange
4     Juan (Skip Mustaad) 3'15
Marcus Roberts / Jeff "Tain" Watts
5     Autumn Leaves 9'41
Joseph Kosma / Johnny Mercer / Jacques Prévert
6     Knozz-Moe-King (Interlude) 3'48
Wynton Marsalis
7     Skain's Domain 9'39
Wynton Marsalis
8     Much Later 6'15
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Robert Leslie Hurst III
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - The Majesty of the Blues (1989) APE (image+.cue), lossless

This is a good album that should have been great. Two lengthy originals ("The Majesty of the Blues" and "Hickory Dickory Dock") find Wynton Marsalis displaying his rapidly developing writing skills, which were being prodded at the time by Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus. His sextet with pianist Marcus Roberts, tenorman Todd Williams, and altoist Wes Anderson is in outstanding form on these performances. However, the three-part "New Orleans Function" has two fatal flaws. Marsalis returned to his New Orleans heritage by welcoming the erratic clarinetist Dr. Michael White, veteran banjoist Danny Barker, trombonist Freddie Lonzo, and trumpeter Teddy Riley as guests. Unfortunately, an endless "Sermon" about jazz, written by Stanley Crouch and narrated by Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Jr., drones on for 16 minutes and is unspeakably pompous, killing the momentum for the record. In addition, the closing Dixieland blues is led by the frequently faltering Teddy Riley (while Marsalis plays second trumpet) and is much too ragged to have been released. So, the main reason to acquire this album is for the first two pieces. by Scott Yanow  
Tracklist 
1    The Majesty Of The Blues (The Puheeman Strut)    15:06
2    Hickory Dickory Dock    9:07
The New Orleans Function
3    The Death Of Jazz 12:39
Banjo – Danny Barker
Clarinet – Dr. Michael White
Trombone – Freddie Lonzo
Trumpet [1st] – Teddy Riley
Trumpet [2nd], Other [Plunger Mute] – Wynton
4    Premature Autopsies (Sermon) 16:23
Banjo – Danny Barker
Clarinet – Dr. Michael White
Narrator [Sermon] – Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Jr.
Trombone – Freddie Lonzo
Trumpet [1st] – Teddy Riley
Trumpet [2nd], Other [Plunger mute] – Wynton
Written-By [Sermon] – Stanley Crouch
5    Oh, But On The Third Day (Happy Feet Blues) 6:45
Banjo – Danny Barker
Clarinet – Dr. Michael White
Trombone – Freddie Lonzo
Trumpet [1st] – Teddy Riley
Trumpet [2nd], Other [Plunger Mute] – Wynton
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Wes Anderson
 Bass [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Reginald Veal
Cover [Art] – Henri Matisse
Drums [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Herlin Riley
 Ensemble – The Wynton Marsalis Sextet
Piano [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Marcus Roberts
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Todd Williams
Trumpet [The Wynton Marsalis Sextet] – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS SEPTET - Blue Interlude (1976) APE (image+.cue), lossless

With Wynton Marsalis, exuberance, energy and high-level musicianship is never an issue, but long-windedness can be. This may be one of the best of the trumpeter's mid-sized ensembles, a septet, with pianist Marcus Roberts, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, saxophonists Wessell Anderson and Todd Williams, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley. It is also to the credit of Marsalis that he allows solid group interplay, and much room for his sidemen to not only stretch, but to also include their written works in the repertoire. The problem is for the listener, as the bulk of this material lays in long form, and is more a test for the band's stamina than the pleasure of the beholder. It works in concert, but not on the radio or at home. The 37-plus-minute title track, a grandiose treatise on bittersweet romance, is the most egregious with lengthy solos, tight but verbose ensemble sections, up-and-down dynamics, and rhythmic variations. "The Jubilee Suite" is only 12 minutes, and much more concise, echoing anthemic clarion calls, a hip modern New Orleans groove, and features for the clarinet of Williams and Marsalis. "And the Band Played On" is a processional march, and "Brother Veal" exudes a warm feeling marinated in easy swing, with the clarinet of Williams again a focal point. The last piece, "Sometimes It Goes Like That," is the most complex melody, using the typical variable tempo and melodic devices that make a Marsalis jazz tune fairly recognizable. The cover art and title might indicate this was a blue interlude in the personal life of Marsalis translated into music (and words on the indulgent "Monologue" prelude to the title cut) and self-consciously rendered. It's fine music, but not particularly unique or original. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1. Brother Veal (3:23)
2. Monologue For Sugar Cane And Sweetie Pie (5:56)
3. Blue Interlude (The Bittersweet Saga Of Sugar Cane And Sweetie Pie) (37:15)
4. And The Band Played On (5:23)
5. The Jubilee Suite (12:20)
6. Sometimes It Goes Like That (7:12)
Credits :
Wynton Marsalis - Trumpet, Piano (2)
Marcus Roberts - Piano
Wesseli Anderson - Alto Sax
Todd Williams - Sax Tenor, Soprano, Clarinet
Wycliffe Gordon - Trombone
Reginald Veal - Bass
Herlin Riley - Drums

WYNTON MARSALIS - Thick in the South : Soul Gestures in Southern Bles, Vol.1 (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis' three-part Soul Gestures in Southern Blue (of which this CD is the final section) is a disappointment. None of the themes are particularly memorable and, although the individual solos are fine, not much really happens; overall it is a rather weird tribute to the blues. Actually, the main significance to this particular set is that the trumpeter had for the first time put together the nucleus to his septet. Although there was no trombonist yet, altoist Wessell Anderson, tenor saxophonist Todd Williams, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley were already in place while pianist Marcus Roberts was still a part of Marsalis' group. But musically this trilogy can be bypassed; get his more. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Harriet Tubman
Wynton Marsalis
2     Elveen 12'13
Wynton Marsalis
3     Thick in the South 10'15
Wynton Marsalis
4     So This Is Jazz, Huh? 12'26
Wynton Marsalis
5     L.C. on the Cut 13'28
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Bob Hurst
Drums – Elvin Jones (pistas: 2, 5), Jeff Watts
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Uptown Ruler : Soul Gestures in Southern Blue, Vol. 2 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of the three-part Soul Gestures in Southern Blue finds Wynton Marsalis at a transitional spot in his career. While his pianist Marcus Roberts had largely found his own style, the trumpeter was still searching and had not yet thrown off the dominant Miles Davis influence. This quintet outing (which also features the tenor of Todd Williams, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley) lacks any memorable melodies, although the playing is fine. But overall, the music is much more forgettable than Stanley Crouch's rather incredible liner notes. This CD can be safely passed by in favor of Marsalis' more recent projects. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Psalm 26 1'29
Wynton Marsalis
2     Uptown Ruler 11'11
Wynton Marsalis
3     The Truth Is Spoken Here 6'50
Marcus Roberts
4     The Burglar 8'38
Todd Williams
5     Prayer 6'26
Wynton Marsalis
6     Harmonique 4'53
Wynton Marsalis
7     Down Home with Homey 11'56
Wynton Marsalis
8     Psalm 26 1'36
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Saxophone – Todd Williams
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Levee Low Moan : Soul Gestures in Southern Blue, Vol. 3 (1991) APE (image+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis' three-part Soul Gestures in Southern Blue (of which this CD is the final section) is a disappointment. None of the themes are particularly memorable and, although the individual solos are fine, not much really happens; overall it is a rather weird tribute to the blues. Actually, the main significance to this particular set is that the trumpeter had for the first time put together the nucleus to his septet. Although there was no trombonist yet, altoist Wessell Anderson, tenor saxophonist Todd Williams, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley were already in place while pianist Marcus Roberts was still a part of Marsalis' group. But musically this trilogy can be bypassed; get his more. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Levee Low Moan 11'14
Wynton Marsalis
2     Jig's Jig 8'49
Wynton Marsalis
3     So This Is Jazz, Huh? 6'59
Wynton Marsalis
4     In the House of Williams 10'05
Todd Williams
5     Superb Starling 11'37
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Reginald Veal
Drums – Herlin Riley
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Saxophone – Todd Williams, Wessell Anderson
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Standard Time, Vol. 1 (1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On the first of three volumes, Wynton Marsalis explores ten standards plus two of his originals with his quartet of the period (which consists of pianist Marcus Roberts, bassist Robert Hurst III, and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts). Marsalis' tone is quite beautiful on the well-balanced set; even the ballads have their unpredictable moments. Among the more memorable performances are his treatments of "Caravan," "April in Paris," "New Orleans," "Memories of You," and two versions of "Cherokee."  Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Caravan 8'18
Written-By – D. Ellington, Mills, J. Tizol
2    April In Paris 5'04
Written-By – V. Duke
3    Cherokee 2'21
Written-By – R. Noble
4    Goodbye 8'14
Written-By – G. Jenkins
5    New Orleans 5'41
Written-By – H. Carmichael
6    Soon All Will Know 3'36
Written-By – W. Marsalis
7    Foggy Day 7'35
Written-By – G. Gershwin
8    The Song Is You 5'09
Written-By – J. Kern, O. Hammerstein
9    Memories Of You 4'02
Piano [Solo Piano] – Marcus Roberts ("J Master")
Written-By – A. Razaf, E. Blake
10    In The Afterglow 3'34
Written-By – W. Marsalis
11    Autumn Leaves 6'26
Arranged By – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Written-By – J. Mercer
12    Cherokee 2'27
Written-By – R. Noble
Credits :
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis (pistas: 1-10, 12)
Bass – Robert Leslie Hurst III
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Piano – Marcus Roberts ("J Master")
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

WYNTON MARSALIS - Standard Time Vol. 2 : Intimacy Calling (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis's second of three standard albums was actually released after the third volume. On most of the selections, the brilliant trumpeter is heard in excellent form with his quartet (comprised of pianist Marcus Roberts, bassist Reginald Veal or Robert Hurst and either Herlin Riley or Jeff Watts on drums); tenorman Todd Williams helps out on "I'll Remember April" and altoist Wes Anderson is also added to "Crepuscule with Nellie." Marsalis's tone really makes the ballads worth hearing, and his unusual choice and placement of notes keeps the music stimulating. This mostly bop-oriented set is rounded off by a jaunty version of "Bourbon Street Parade." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     When It's Sleepy Time Down South 5'10
Clarence Muse / Otis Rene / Leon René
2     You Don't Know What Love Is 6'23
Gene DePaul / Don Raye
3     Indelible and Nocturnal 4'11
Wynton Marsalis
4     I'll Remember April 8'34
Gene DePaul / Pat Johnston / Patricia Johnston / Don Raye
5     Embraceable You 7'15
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin
6     Crepuscule with Nellie 3'04
Thelonious Monk
7     What Is This Thing Called Love? 6'29
Cole Porter
8     The End of a Love Affair 3'12
Edward Redding
9     East of the Sun (And West of the Moon) 5'16
Brooks Bowman
10     Lover 5'05
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
11     Yesterdays 9'36
Otto Harbach / Jerome Kern
12     Bourbon Street Parade 5'48
Paul Barbarin / Duke Ellington
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Wes Anderson (pistas: 6)
Bass – Reginald Veal (pistas: 1 to 6, 8 to 12), Robert Hurst (pistas: 7)
Drums – Herlin Riley (pistas: 1 to 6, 8 to 12), Jeff Watts (pistas: 12)
Piano – Marcus Roberts (pistas: 1 to 11)
Tenor Saxophone – Todd Williams (pistas: 4, 6)
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis