Wynton Marsalis - Standard Time, Vol.2: Intimacy Calling

As the title implies, this is a relaxed and intimate date much in the manner of those ages-old "for lovers only" discs that celebrated the romance and melody of jazz expression. The tempos are generally in the slow to medium range, and the moods are lovingly rendered. Wynton Marsalis's songbook here is strictly standard and classic, ranging from "You Don't Know What Love Is" to Thelonious Monk's "Crepuscule with Nellie" and "When Its Sleepy Time Down South," to a closing nod to Crescent City-street classicism, "Bourbon Street Parade." Employing a variety of mutes and expressive effects, Marsalis renders this program with simple piano, bass, and drum accompaniment for the most part, though tenor saxman Todd Williams and alto saxophonist Wessell Anderson join him for two selections. --Willard Jenkins Amazon.com essential recording

"When Wynton Marsalis Hears Intimacy Calling, He Knows How To Answer"

"With 'Intimacy Calling,' Marsalis brings his own heroic individuality to the expression of tenderness magnified and recalled by a stretch of trumpet tones and ensemble colors that are themselves contrasted by the celebratory swing of eroticism ascended to the diamond point of romantic precision. Songs are delivered with either consummate relaxation or form variations on the muscularity that results when the heart takes on the force of a bull turning its form against the magnetic rhythms of the object of ardor...Yes, it is obvious that when Wynton Marsalis hears intimacy calling, he knows how to answer." ~ Stanley Crouch ~

Wynton Marsalis' "Standard Time, Volume 2: Intimacy Calling" is the second of a series of six albums of standards that he recorded during a period of twelve years. The first series came out in 1987 and the last of the series was recorded in 1999. What Mr. Marsalis showed off on Marsalis Standard Time ~ Vol.1 was his ingenious brilliance in interpreting some of the most-adored standards of all-time with his exceptional trumpet artistry. He continued the same creativity not only on this second series, but on the succeeding volumes as well, Standard Time, Vol.3: The Resolution Of Romance and Standard Time, Vol.5: The Midnight Blues.

On this recording, he has the backing of some of the finest sidemen in the industry starting with pianist Marcus Roberts, saxophonists Wessell Anderson and Todd Williams, bass players Robert Hurst and Reginald Veal, drummers Jeff Watts and Herlin Riley. All the players showed off an extraordinary expertise in their respective instruments resulting in a par excellence musicianship particularly with the renditions of some of the highlights which include "I'll Remember April," "Yesterdays," "You Don't Know What Love Is" and the only tune from this set that he didn't play at all, "East of the Sun (And West Of The Moon"). It features one of the most talented jazz pianists in the music scene, Marcus Roberts. "Indelible and Nocturnal" is an original tune that shows off the fine trumpeter's composing skills.

Since this is one the best from the six series of "Standard Time" and one of my favorites (I love Volumes 1, 2, 3 and 5), I most definitely recommend this album to any jazz lover who appreciates the exquisite sound of Wynton Marsalis' trumpet. He belongs to a select-few-group whose artistry goes beyond the genre of jazz. The multi-Grammy winner is also very adept on classical music not only as a remarkable performer, but also a prolific composer. And not to mention the various recognitions and honors he received for his unparalleled contributions to the arts. He is surely one of the top jazz artists who can command respect from a true appreciator of this art form.

Have a lovely listening adventure! July 16, 2008

partly romantic

With a subtitle like "Intimacy Calling", you'd expect the mood of this CD to be young Chet Baker. It starts off that way - Wynton applies a light touch to "When It's Sleepy Time Down South", then gets too quiet on "You Don't Know What Love Is". "Indelible and Nocturnal" has a very nice melody, and it's an original song. Things pick up a little with "I'll Remember April", which also adds a saxophone. You'll barely notice the additional horns in this and one other song. "Embraceable You" is another very quiet song, then "Crepuscule With Nellie" is a wakeup call. Wynton plays through the song straight without soloing. Wynton sits out "East Of The Sun", which makes it a Marcus Roberts piano feature. Reginald Veal on bass and Herlin Riley on drums play on most of the songs, and Robert Hurst and Jeff 'Tain' Watts come in on "What Is This Thing Called Love". The rhythm section is very tasteful throughout. The tempo picks up with "Lover", slows with "Yesterdays", and is a little raucous with "Bourbon Street Parade". The faster songs on the CD help break up the series of ballads and make it a 4-star CD. Obviously Wynton is not breaking any new ground on this CD of 11 standards and one original, but he's a good trumpet player, and you might have a spot for this in your CD changer.
September 8, 2007

Wynton Marsalis Standard Time, Vol. 2: Intimacy Calling

This (unlike another review I just wrote) IS pretty jazz. Very relaxing, and my untrained ear can actually hear a melody in each song rather than it just sounding like someone playing random notes on a horn. I love it! July 17, 2007

In the mood...

talk about getting into the mood for intimacy... WOW... bring on the soft light and champagne... March 8, 2007

Superb Album

This, the 2nd in his concept album series is excellent, the sounds are played with such a level of intimacy and warm romance that not only does it stand out a wonderful jazz album in its own right but also can be used to set the mood for that special dinner!

The playing is lovely, the warm timbre casting you back to the very birth of jazz and evokes nothing but the deepest of emotion and highest praise for Mr. Marsalis and to think he was not yet at his prime on this album!!!! March 29, 2005

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