Blood on the Fields cover

Blood on the Fields

Wynton Marsalis · 1995

162 min · 27 tracks · blues

A sweeping narrative blends jazz improvisation with classical orchestration, exploring themes of African American history and resilience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Work Song (Blood on the Fields) — This track encapsulates the central theme of labor and struggle, featuring haunting melodies that evoke the pain of historical oppression through its rich instrumentation.
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    Calling the Indians Out Start here — This opening piece sets the tone for the entire album, marrying powerful storytelling with stirring musical dialogue that reflects Marsalis's deep engagement with historical narratives.
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    Freedom Is in the Trying — The track represents a pivotal moment of hope and resilience within the story, using a compelling call-and-response structure that highlights Marsalis's innovative approach to jazz composition.

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

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

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — First jazz composition to win a Pulitzer Prize, enhancing Marsalis's recognition.
Themes
African American history· labor and struggle· social commentary· historical narrative
Career context
When 'Blood on the Fields' was released in 1995, Wynton Marsalis had already established himself as a leading figure in jazz, known for pushing the boundaries of the genre. This work marked his first large-scale composition and oratorio, showcasing his ambition to blend storytelling with musical complexity while building on the success of previous albums like 'Black Codes (From the Underground)' in 1989.
Stylistic neighbors
Branford Marsalis· Chris Botti· Roy Hargrove
New to Wynton Marsalis? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Calling the Indians Out Start here 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 Start here 5:40
  • 8 Follow the Drinking Gourd 1:45
  • 9 Freedom Is in the Trying 2:47
  • 10 Due North 5:35

What to play next

Joe Cool's Blues
Listen next

Joe Cool's Blues

1995

Continues the narrative style with a blend of jazz and storytelling elements.
In This House, On This Morning
Go back to

In This House, On This Morning

1994

Sets the stage for the thematic depth explored in Blood on the Fields.
Full Wynton Marsalis discography Where to start with Wynton Marsalis Artists like Wynton Marsalis
blues jazz

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata