Wynton Marsalis – Black Codes (From The Underground)
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Bass – Charnett Moffett, Ron Carter (B2)
Drums – Jeff (Tain) Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Written by Wynton Marsalis (A1 to B2, B4), Kenny Kirkland (B3)
1 LP, Gatefold jacket
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33RPM
Size : 12”
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : GZ Media
Label : Vinyl Me Please - Classics Series
Original Label : Columbia
Recorded on January 7–11, 14, 1985 at RCA Studios, New York
Engineered byTim Geelan
Remixed by Tim Geelan
Produced by Steve Epstein, George Butler
Executive-Producer – George Butler
Mastered by Vlado Meller at CBS Studios, New York
Lacquer cut by Ryan Smith by Sterling Sound
Art Direction by Mark Larson
Booklet by Natalie Weiner
Liner Notes by Stanley Crouch
Photography by Gary Heery
Originally released in June 1985
Reissued in August 2023
Tracks :
Side A:
- Black Codes
- For Wee Folks
- Delfeayo's Dilemma
Side B:
- Phryzzinian Man
- Aural Oasis
- Chambers Of Tain
- Blues
1986 Grammy Awards :
- Best Instrumental Jazz Performance, Individual or Group
- Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist
Reviews :
“This is probably the best Wynton Marsalis recording from his Miles Davis period. With his brother Branford (who doubles here on tenor and soprano) often closely emulating Wayne Shorter and the rhythm section (pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummer Jeff Watts) sounding a bit like the famous Herbie Hancock-Ron Carter-Tony Williams trio, Wynton is heard at the head of what was essentially an updated version of the mid- to late-'60s Miles Davis Quintet (despite Stanley Crouch's pronouncements in his typically absurd liner notes about Marsalis' individuality). The music is brilliantly played and displays what the "Young Lions" movement was really about: young musicians choosing to explore acoustic jazz and to extend the innovations of the pre-fusion modern mainstream style. Marsalis would develop his own sound a few years later, but even at age 23 he had few close competitors.” AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow
Ratings:
AllMusic : 5 / 5 , Discogs : 4.3 / 5