Wynton

[brenter]

For anyone that's interested, there's a very good article on Wynton in the newest Downbeat written by the great Benny Golson. Mr. Golson contends that Wynton is a very underrated composer, and that people's opinions about him are too often formulated through either what the press says about him, their dislike of him personally, or simply because of jealousy.

Regardless, to be praised by someone like Benny Golson says a lot, to say the least!

[elbobogrande]

I haven't been home to get my Downbeat yet, but I agree that he's a way underrated composer. I just got the CD of "All Rise" a few weeks ago. The CD booklet really hits the nail on the head when it suggests that the work is a new big phenomenon among Orchestral music. What it is, for those who don't know, is a large-scale for orchestra, jazz ensemble and choir. The CD is with the LA Phil and LCJO. I don't remember offhand what the choir is. It's a very unique work that would come across very accessibly to pretty much anyone, it would seem. I recommend it highly.
John

[ZeroMan]

I've heard "Blood on the Fields", "CITI Movement" and one of Marsalis' string quartets. While I think his composing is accessible and very aware of the ongoing crossovers and mutual influences of jazz, folk and classical musics, I have not been too impressed by his body of work to date.

Maybe his latest release marks a turning point for him as a composer, I dunno. Does this mean I'm biased or jealous? I wish I could play the trumpet as well as Wynton Marsalis can. I wish I had his ability and promotion. However, I would want to be a better improvisor and less close-minded about innovations in jazz.

I could think of better composers who can be considered Marsalis' peer. Kernis? Ades? Well, Marsalis got the Pulitzer Prize for "... Fields". My god, he got it for something that was so pretentious and derivative as that composition I wouldn't be surprised if he's drawing raves now, esp. if his composing ability has caught up to his promotion.

I am also not surprised that a writer in Downbeat is raving about Marsalis' work. Downbeat has been in Marsalis' corner for a while.

Before I'm slammed for slamming Wynton Marsalis, I want to point out that I have 11 of his albums and I have seen him live twice. My very first jazz record was "Think of One" and my first classical trumpet recording was his take on the Haydn, Hummel and L. Mozart. Despite this, I have cooled off to the guy over the years. There is a reason for it: HE'S NOT AS GOOD AS HIS OWN HYPE PROCLAIMS.

Well, at least he had someone other than that bigmouth charlatan Stanley Crouch singing his praises in the press. But Golson's comments came off as posturing for the valid criticism that should follow Marsalis' (or anybody's) efforts. Some people may like it.... other people's tastes may have already outgrown Marsalis' myopic (and some would say, racist) artistic vision.

Now we're being told that if we dont' like, it's because we have bought into the anti-Marsalis reactionary camp, or worse yet, because we're jealous. Sheesh.

[ This Message was edited by: ZeroMan on 2002-12-15 01:07 ]

[ This Message was edited by: ZeroMan on 2002-12-15 01:09 ]

[Xenoman]

[pfrank]

But who won the best composer award (as well as best trumpet)?

Dave Douglas, that's who. Not bad winning in both categories...

[Xenoman]

[pfrank]

I agree!
But it's weird: this must be the 1st time someone I like artistically AND technically won that kind of award. What's going on? Is the world about to end? I thought I had another ten years before that happens! (according to the Myans)

[Xenoman]

<typing from my bomb shelter>

Actually, I think Dave won both last year as well (Witness). Can someone confirm?

I will admit to not caring for his composition and playing in the beginning (I came in mid stream) but I have since changed my stance. I went back and listened to his "Soul on Soul" album (my favorite). That kind of filled in some pieces for me and I'm digging what he's doing.

_________________
-Eric M. Brewington
http://www.jazzician.org

[ This Message was edited by: Xenoman on 2002-12-17 14:28 ]

[brenter]

I do agree with some of what Benny Golson says in that article. I think some of the negativity towards Marsalis is just jealously. I read an article where Keith Jarret stated that Wynton sometimes sounds no better than a high school trumpeter playing jazz, and that he plays certain things very, very badly. Now, you can say that Wynton isn't the best jazz trumpeter ever, but to compare him to a high school level player? That's too bad, because I feel that Keith Jarret is one of the most gifted jazz musicians playing.

However, I would also say that Wynton, along with his sidekick Stanley Crouch, can dish out the negativity as well. They seem to have a definitian of what the perimeters of jazz are, and anything outside of these perimeters is open to scorn.

[ZeroMan]

[brenter]

ZeroMan:

I don't think Keith Jarrett would be jealous of Wynton in the musical sense, but perhaps more in the financial or marketing sense. Wynton's been on the cover of Time magazine at least twice, probably more. He also probably gets more money than any other jazz musician. Another good example might be the Ken Burns 'Jazz' series, which could almost be titled 'Jazz According to Wynton Marsalis.' Overall, I can't help but to think there's some bitterness from KJT about this (and perhaps rightfully so.)

By the way, the Keith Jarrett Trio w/ Kenny Wheeler? I'd love to hear it. Another good guest would be Tom Harrell.

[Xenoman]