Wynton Marsalis: Marsalis Plays Monk: Standard Time Volume 4

Recorded in 1983 and 1994, Wynton Marsalis’ homage to composer and pianist Thelonious Monk has the orchestral sound that encompasses many of the trumpeter’s recordings. His cohesive ensemble arrangements feature each member with brief individual solo statements that fit together seamlessly. Analogous to the tactics of a basketball team, Marsalis’ septet "passes the ball" from trombonist to trumpeter to saxophonist to pianist and back. The orchestral sound allows one to recognize the familiar voices immediately (Wycliffe Gordon and Wessell Anderson shine brightly), but it’s still a team effort. Monk’s music arms the septet with surprise endings, quirky twists and turns, and even surprise grand entrances. Eric Reed’s piano artistry by itself makes a suitable tribute to Monk. The piano trio works alone in a swinging "Brilliant Corners."

Marsalis provides solo trumpet features on several of the arrangements, but the album’s concept is clearly an ensemble project. Ballads "Ugly Beauty" and "Reflections" showcase his full, sensual open trumpet sound, while "Four In One" and "Brake’s Sake" swing much faster. The session’s closing number is one of the most charming on the program. Featuring saxophonist Victor Goines, the arrangement begins with drummer Herlin Riley playing the familiar melody lightly on his drumheads. Eventually the piece turns it over to Marsalis and the septet. The music bounces as lightly and buoyantly as it did in Marsalis’ soundtrack to Tune In Tomorrow. Highly Recommended.

Comments