Wynton Marsalis - Standard Time, Vol.5: The Midnight Blues

Opening curiously with the classic reveler's benediction "The Party's Over," this 12-selection program of standard material finds Wynton Marsalis's buttery trumpet elegance in the superb company of Eric Reed on piano, Reginald Veal on bass, and Lewis Nash on drums. Augmenting this debonair quartet is the delicately balanced string orchestration of Robert Freedman, who some may recall from Marsalis's original with-strings date, Hot House Flowers. Removing the CD from its jewel-case tray reveals an inside back-cover photo of a recently vacated bed, leaving little doubt that this is another in Wynton's ongoing subseries of romantic interludes. His trumpet is aptly broad and gorgeous in tone, seeking the beauty spots inherent in these romantic short stories. "Baby Won't You Please Come Home" indeed! --Willard Jenkins Amazon.com essential recording

Direction

This is a direction that suits Wynton Marsalis' playing very well. Like the Hothouse cd Marsalis is like a fish in the water on these recordings. November 20, 2008

a satire of recognasance

this is a good cd,but it's a little to quiet for my taste.there are great standards on here,that wynton marsalis plays very well,but i am a little turned off by the syrupy string arrangements on here.this is one of those cd's you can listen to in those quiet times,when your lying in bed,before going to sleep,or,on a rainy day.although there are some fine things on this cd,it's a little to slow,and a little bland for my taste.but still a good cd,nonetheless. May 5, 2008

Wynton Marsalis Standard Tiem, Vol. 5: the Midnight Blues

I usually love Marsalis' style and skill, but this just is not pretty jazz. It sounds like a collection of tequniques rather than a collection of songs. Distracting rather than relaxing. I'm sorry I can't return it. July 17, 2007

Gorgeous, full of feeling, like the horn of love itself...

This is one of the most beautiful jazz albums, or any album, I've ever listened to. I listen to it often (I've had it for years), when I'm lying down to sleep or just relaxing, and every note sounds like Wynton's singing through that amazing horn of his ... it's like he's talking, caressing, holding and tickling the most gorgeous, love-thirsty woman and making her feel loved, making her feel desirable, making love with every note. His tone is full and round and warm; his technical command of the trumpet and his brilliant use of effects that sound effortless, are astounding and downright shake-you-head stunning. I am in awe of his virtuosity, and am stilled to a silent closed-eyed reverence when I hear the rendentions of the ballads on this album. If you stop and relax, put down the daily movements of the world, and listen to the beauty and power of this work, it will grab you with a soft hand and cover you like a warm blanket. And if you're in the mood for love, put this record on in the background, turn down the lights and spread those candles, and invite your lover into the sound of this world.... May 20, 2007

Wynton is great, but brass and strings don't go together

After buying and listening to Wynton's Standard Time Volumes 1-3, I was anxious to get Volume 5. I was not thrilled with the CD. Wynton is fantastic as always but the trumpet in my opinion did not go with the strings at all. August 14, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...