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.
Why this album works
'Blood on the Fields' is notable for being the first jazz composition to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1997, highlighting its cultural impact. The album's ambitious exploration of African American heritage resonated widely, influencing subsequent generations of jazz musicians and reshaping perceptions of jazz as a vehicle for serious narrative expression. Its critical reception was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying Marsalis's role as a prominent voice in modern jazz.
- Best for
- dynamic journey through historical themes wave-like pacing with emotional depth immersive storytelling through orchestral textures
- 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
- Prince· Diana Ross· Madonna· John Coltrane· Barbra Streisand· Aretha Franklin· Charles Mingus· Chicago
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Calling the Indians Out Standout 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) Standout 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 Standout 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 Standout 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
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