From The Plantation To The Penitentiary

Wynton Marsalis is a virtuoso trumpeter, composer, educator and, as the gatekeeper of the jazz tradition, he's never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. On this new recording, he reveals more of a radical socio-political dimension than has been demonstrated previously.

In all but two tracks, Marsalis grabs America by the scruff of the neck with a telling songs-based dissection of society today. Based on his observations travelling around the country, Marsalis speaks out against corporate greed, misogyny, and the plight of Black America, channelled through the vocal of majestic new 21-year-old singer Jennifer Sanon.

Yet it's also a musical feast incorporating Latin rhythms, second line funk, classy swingin' jazz and romantic ballads by a quintet that includes amazing saxophonist Walter Blanding. Unexpectedly, there's a tough talkin' rap by the man himself on Where Y'all At? Hard-hitting stuff maybe, but with all the usual musical pleasures still firmly intact.