Wynton Marsalis

The Profile

American trumpeter, composer, and educator from New Orleans. Artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center; winner of multiple Grammy Awards and the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Music for Blood on the Fields. Known for work in both jazz and classical repertoire.

Trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and educator; artistic director of Jazz at Lincoln Center; awards include multiple Grammys and the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Music.

A defense of Wynton Marsalis against charges of cold formalism, praising his technique, civic engagement, and range. The review highlights From the Plantation to the Penitentiary for its stylistic variety (swing, Caribbean touches, ballads) and socially pointed lyrics. Jennifer Sanon’s vocals are singled out. Specific tracks like Find Me, Doin’ (Y)our Thing, and Where Y’All At? are discussed in detail.