Blood on the Fields cover

Blood on the Fields

Wynton Marsalis · 1995

162 min · 27 tracks · blues · classical · jazz

A sweeping orchestral jazz narrative that intertwines historical themes with emotional depth and improvisational brilliance.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey through historical themes
  • wave-like pacing with emotional depth
  • immersive storytelling through orchestral textures
  • reflective moments for deep listening
  • thoughtful exploration of cultural narratives

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1995, 'Blood on the Fields' marked Wynton Marsalis's first major work exploring the narrative of African American history through jazz. Following his acclaimed album 'The Majesty of the Blues,' this project showcased a significant artistic evolution, blending storytelling with complex musical arrangements. It positioned Marsalis as a leading figure in contemporary jazz, emphasizing both cultural significance and musical innovation.
Stylistic neighbors
Branford Marsalis· Chris Botti· Roy Hargrove

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Calling the Indians Out 5:27
  • 2 Move Over 10:04
  • 3 You Don’t Hear No Drums 11:52
  • 4 The Market Place 6:02
  • 5 Soul for Sale 6:07
  • 6 Plantation Coffle March 10:45
  • 7 Work Song (Blood on the Fields) 8:26

Disc 2

  • 1 Lady’s Lament 6:16
  • 2 Flying High 2:04
  • 3 Oh We Have a Friend in Jesus 4:06
  • 4 God Don’t Like Ugly 8:06
  • 5 Juba and a O’Brown Squaw 6:07
  • 6 Follow the Drinking Gourd 2:21
  • 7 My Soul Fell Down 2:18
  • 8 Forty Lashes 7:30
  • 9 What a Fool I’ve Been 2:34
  • 10 Back to Basics 11:28

Disc 3

  • 1 I Hold Out My Hand 7:40
  • 2 Look and See 5:07
  • 3 The Sun is Gonna Shine 2:21
  • 4 Will the Sun Come Out? 9:09
  • 5 The Sun is Gonna Shine 6:45
  • 6 Chant to Call the Indians Out 3:56
  • 7 Calling the Indians Out 5:40
  • 8 Follow the Drinking Gourd 1:45
  • 9 Freedom Is in the Trying 2:47
  • 10 Due North 5:35

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata