I’ve never made much of a secret of my disdain for trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.  Much of it was based on what I read or heard about Wynton; little based on what I’ve heard from him.  Though much of the credit for our music’s revitalization rests in his hands, I have long felt that he is as guilty of stagnating it as those whom he scorned in the eighties.  It is the culture I’ve long associated with him (Mr. Crouch can be counted among them) which incited the jazz wars and denounced some of the music of (predominantly white/european) musicians I love and respect.
Darcy’s extremely well-written article (one on which I’ve intended to comment for some time) was my first indication (I’m not all that well read) that things had a) changed, or b) never been as I understood them to be.  Whatever the case, Wynton’s Jazz in the Bittersweet Blues of Life served for me as one of the most transformative reads I’ve ever undertaken.  Though Parr clearly did’t like the book, I would consider this prime reading for any jazz musician.  Marsalis clearly breathes this music.  Wynton’s dedication to the art form is laudible even if you find it misguided.  Wynton’s voice in Bittersweet Blues is an impassioned, empathetic one; a far cry from the man I had assumed he was (and I don’t think I’m alone in that sentiment).Â
This, of course, says nothing of his music, which I enjoy, but don’t ache to listen to. Â The J@LC band is coming to Florida in January and you can bet I’ll be there. Â Appearances are:
| 01/23/2009 | Miami, FL | The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts | US |
|  | Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Buy tickets. Address:1300 Biscayne Boulevard. Box Office: (305) 949-6722 | ||
| 01/24/2009 | Jacksonville, FL | University of North Florida Fine Arts Center: Lazzara Performance Hall | US |
|  | Time: 7:30pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Buy tickets. Address:1 UNF Drive. Box Office: (904) 620-2878 | ||
| 01/25/2009 | Naples, FL | Philharmonic Center for the Arts | US |
|  | Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Buy tickets. Address:5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard. Box Office: (239) 597-1900 | ||
| 01/27/2009 | Sarasota, FL | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | US |
|  | Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages. Buy tickets. Address:777 N. Tamiami Trail. Box Office: (800) 826-9303 | ||
| 01/28/2009 | West Palm Beach, FL | Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts – Dreyfoos Concert Hall | US |
|  | Time: 8:00pm. Age restrictions: All Ages/Licensed. Buy tickets.Address: 701 Okeechobee Blvd. Box Office: 561-832-7469 | ||
As I have an event for my job on the night of the Sarasota show, I’ll be attending the UNF hit.  I’d rather not hear the band at a college – much more competition for hang time/lessons with the band (Carlos Henriquez is a monster!).
In the meantime – from Wynton’s blog is a video he did for NYC’s Just Ask The Locals campaign:
