Wynton Marsalis - Live at the House of Tribes

clarke68 · September-20th-2005, 07:38 PM

I haven't been around JC enough to know if I need asbestos gloves to post this, but I just got done with my first listen on Wynton's new Live at the House of Tribes, and all I can is: what a jumpin', swingin', hootin', hollerin' good time! There's some serious chops there, but the date isn't about serious chops. These guys just let their hair down, swing, and (I wouldn't believe it was possible for Wynton if I hadn't heard this) have fun. Recommended.

Quick word about the House of Tribes: I'm certain I've never been to a jazz show where the audience was as interactive and enthusiastic as in this recording. Must be quite a venue.

Nate Dorward · September-20th-2005, 07:41 PM

Yeah, asbestos gloves would be a good idea, though I get the impression that even the people responsible for the pro/anti Wynton battles are getting a little tired of the whole routine.

Monte Smith · September-20th-2005, 07:48 PM

I gave this disc a thirty second listen at my local Borders at lunch time this afternoon, but I was so high on caffeine that I could not stand still. I'll try to give a listen in the future when I am sober.

Darryl G. Thomas · September-21st-2005, 10:00 AM

I'm a Wynton fan but to be honest I really couldn't get into this disc. I confess I've only listened to it once. I don't know, I guess I really missed the post-bop sound he had with recordings like "Black Codes...". I'll give it another shot thugh.

Tom Storer · September-21st-2005, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarke68

Quick word about the House of Tribes: I'm certain I've never been to a jazz show where the audience was as interactive and enthusiastic as in this recording. Must be quite a venue.

The House of Tribes is a small performance space, and Wynton was basically playing a private fund-raiser. I assume they're pals of his. I have an unofficial version that includes more than was released on the CD but without great sound. As the evening goes on you can actually hear the audience getting drunker and rowdier. It's a good time, it must be said. But I could do without Wes Anderson, personally.

clarke68 · September-21st-2005, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darryl G. Thomas

I don't know, I guess I really missed the post-bop sound he had with recordings like "Black Codes...".

Yeah...Black Codes... is great album, I've had it since the '80s. Actually the only one of Wynton's I've heard all the way through besides this and Blood on the Fields.

Y'know how a lot of avant-garde guys start out "out" and then later on circle back to more traditional stuff? Maybe with Wynton it was "start out post-bop, and then circle back to the '30s".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Storer

I have an unofficial version that includes more than was released on the CD but without great sound.

Well, the SQ of the Blue Note release isn't anything write home about...that "unofficial version" must be pretty cool!

JamesH · September-21st-2005, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darryl G. Thomas

I'm a Wynton fan but to be honest I really couldn't get into this disc. I confess I've only listened to it once. I don't know, I guess I really missed the post-bop sound he had with recordings like "Black Codes...". I'll give it another shot thugh.

I more or less had the same reaction as you the 1st time I heard it. I was definitely considering returning it. But after a couple of listens I really warmed up to it. Yeah, there are a few bop tunes that even though well played, sound dated and derivative. But in general the record is very good and the atmosphere makes it even better. (IMHO of course).

Darryl G. Thomas · September-21st-2005, 05:35 PM

JamesH.,

Is it just me or does buying a new Wynton recording have the feeling of a "political" act? I'm talking about the controversy surrounding Wynton from almost the get go.

You know, one of the problems I had with the recording was the enthusiasm of the audience. It seemed almost forced or contrived. Anyway, I went to the Blue Note web-site and found that it was a small audience of 50 people or less in a small performance space. I don't know, I sensed a "drank the kool-aid" response.

JamesH · September-21st-2005, 06:41 PM

Darryl,

I take your point regarding the "political act" comment. But after all the hype has ended, I believe only true Wynton fans are buying his records now. Fans that have suffered through Wynton at his worse because we know Wynton at his best is an inspired and talented band leader and player.

As for the crowd, they do border on distraction at times. But overall I like the record. Though I must admit I'm expecting and hoping for a lot better in the future.

kenny weir · September-21st-2005, 07:03 PM

Pretty nice music, but I too am thoroughly put off by the contrived feel of the audience response. There's too much music in my world, inclduing plenty I have yet to hear at all, for me to play this again.

September-21st-2005, 08:10 PM

The aidience response can be annoying at times, but all in all, I think this is one of his better performances.

I like it as much as I like his earlier stuff, i.e. Black Codes..............

JamesH · September-21st-2005, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

The aidience response can be annoying at times, but all in all, I think this is one of his better performances.

I like it as much as I like his earlier stuff, i.e. Black Codes..............

Glad there are subjects we can agree on.