Wynton Marsalis

Marsalis alternates between short spoken word vignettes and musical pieces on a set about growing up, discovering the thrills of romance and the heartaches associated with love and the loss of innocence. There is a bittersweet, autumnal quality to Marsalis' writing, and he and his band work together wonderfully (with special props going out to pianist Dan Zimmer, a new associate). Much of the album is also a lesson in how to swing without always playing in 4/4 time -- there are waltzes, boleros and tangos here, yet all are burnished with the romantic light and sensual warmth of American jazz.