This selection is also available in Super Audio CD format.

This recording represents a tour de force on the part of all concerned, so much so that the entire text of the booklet is devoted to explaining how it was accomplished. There is one concerto for solo trumpet (Michael Haydn), one for two (Vivaldi RV537), two (Telemann, in B flat and D) and an arrangement of the ubiquitous Canon of Pachelbel for three, and Biber's Sonata in A major for no less than eight trumpets, but Marsalis is the only trumpeter present. There is nothing new in over-dubbing—the jazz guitarist Les Paul did spectacular things with it in the 1950s, but in the realm of art-music Marsalis must have earned a place in the Guinness Book of Music, aptly aided by Telemann, who is already in there. I leave you to read about it and to marvel at the sheer skill of it all. If any living trumpet player is in more awesome command of his instrument than Marsalis I do not know who it might be; all things seem possible to him, and easily at that. Ivan March noted (1/86) a certain lack of lyrical warmth in his playing and I must agree with him; jazz musicians often feel constrained to be on their best behaviour when 'crossing the tracks' but I find even his jazz playing cerebral rather than emotionally stirring, so that is probably just the way he is—and it shows just a little in the slow movement of the Haydn. However, the programme has much to do with ceremonial magnificence (coupled in the Biber with stunning spatial antiphony) and sheer virtuosity, both present in abundance and delivered with wonderful roundness of tone, free from aggressive brassiness and any sense of strain, as an ex-trumpet player it frightens me to death! The recording is superb in its quality, balance and sense of space, making this a 'must' for anyone who does not actually hate the trumpet.

-- John Duarte, Gramophone [6/1988]

This recording/performance is also available on MiniDisc.

Multiple Grammy-winner Wynton Marsalis recently made history as the 1st jazz musician ever to win the Pulitzer Prize (for jazz opera Blood on the Fields). He was also voted one of the Top 25 Most Influential People in America by Time Magazine. Now, one of this country's foremost celebrities releases Jump Start And Jazz, 2 original compositions - each commissioned and premiered as ballets in New York City. This recording features the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, joined by special guest Branford Marsalis.

Classical Music

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (Original Soundtrack) by Branford Marsalis The Netflix film features Chadwick Boseman's final performance and Viola Davis in the title role. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is the new Netflix film, out December 18, that stars Viola Davis as blues icon Ma Rainey and the late Chadwick Boseman in his final on-screen performance. Tthe soundtrack featuresoriginal music from Branford Marsalis.

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Milan Records announces the release of MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM (MUSIC FROM THE NETFLIX FILM), an album of music from Netflix’s newest original film about “Mother of the Blues” Ma Rainey. The album features score music by critically-acclaimed saxophonist, instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and educator BRANFORD MARSALIS, as well as newly-recorded covers of both popular Ma Rainey tracks and blues and jazz standards from the era. The multi-GRAMMY Award® winner brings over four decades of experience across stylistic boundaries to the project, imbuing the film with an authentic 1920s Chicago soundscape.

Of the soundtrack, composer BRANFORD MARSALIS says, “When George Wolfe called to ask me to compose music for his upcoming film, the project forced me to quickly fill in a gap in my musical experience: addressing the music of the 1920’s. I was excited about learning a new sound for my aural library and had to get right to work... Having only written arrangements for the modern big band (17 instruments, no strings), I looked forward to the challenge of writing in a ‘20s format and convincing the musicians to play the music as authentically as possible.”

Director GEORGE C. WOLFE adds, “When I signed on to direct Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, I instantly knew I wanted to work with Branford Marsalis, because when you collaborate with Branford the composer/arranger, Branford the historian, musicologist, dramatist and raconteur shows up as well. And because he understands the inherently transgressive nature of the blues, Branford’s arrangements capture not only the cultural and regional DNA in Ma Rainey’s songs, but the wit and rage embedded in every note, shout and moan.”

Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management determined to control the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by George C. Wolfe. Adapted for the screen by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. Produced by Denzel Washington, Todd Black and Dany Wolf. Starring Viola Davis, Chadwick Boseman, Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige, Jonny Coyne, Jeremy Shamos and Dusan Brown.