So It's Not Brubeck And Desmond And Morello...

[rentadrummer]

But I still thought this was pretty cool:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO_tC99prRs

[MIDI Life Crisis]

Very cool, indeed! Thanks.

[mikehalloran]

[frankf]

Nice!

[Phil O]

I've never been a big Wynton Marsalis fan, but I must say, that was very cool!

[Shooshie]

Well, that was pretty nice. Unusual, to say the least.

I like Wynton, but I feel for his awkward position in the world of New Orleans jazz. There's a certain paradox that exists around him, and I just find it ironic to hear him say "now THIS is the authentic stuff," or something to that effect. I catch him now and then on Serius XM satellite radio in the car, where I'm usually tuned to the jazz stations, or classical, Sinatra, or Willie's Roadhouse (Willie Nelson's channel, where you can sometimes catch Riders in the Sky). Anyway, when I catch Wynton's show, he always seems intent on recreating the "authentic experience" of Basin Street or Preservation Hall.

You may have to work with me here, because I've never tried to put this into words, but it seems that A) Wynton is the least authentic part of the mix, being that he is a wealthy, super-educated, successful classical musician as well as a first-rate jazz player. And B) anything that involves explaining, narrating, and announcing "this is the authentic stuff," is simply not the authentic stuff, but a recreation of it. Not that I don't enjoy it! But I am often thinking about more than a few drunken sprees in the French Quarter over the years, in which the music I remember was barely in tune, played without narration or fanfare other than "the next tune is one y'all know..." and totally captivating! If Wynton wants to create an authentic experience, he should have someone in the crowd record him sitting in at Preservation Hall, without any narration, opinions, or anything but music.

That's not likely. Wynton can do so much more for the jazz community by broadcasting these shows with his narration, bringing in money and exposure for the musicians of N.O. Just forget about "authentic." What's authentic is whatever is happening at this moment!

In spite of the irony of his almost tragically paradoxical position in which his talent, fame, and fortune (if not family dynasty) have trapped him, I still have the highest admiration for Mr. Marsalis, the musician.

Shooshie

[mikehalloran]

If Wynton wants to create an authentic experience, he should have someone in the crowd record him sitting in at Preservation Hall, without any narration, opinions, or anything but music.

Where the sign reads:

Requests $1. Specials $2. Saints $10

[Phil O]

I like Wynton, but...

Well, I must confess that my opinion is influenced by personal feelings. He was the colleague of a close friend of mine and hasn't treated my friend very professionally. I'm embarrassed to admit that this can sometimes influence my listening experience.

...but I DID enjoy the rendition of Take Five.