In This House, On This Morning cover

In This House, On This Morning

Wynton Marsalis · 1994

115 min · 21 tracks · blues

A spiritually infused jazz suite blending traditional hymns with modern improvisational elements, evoking a sacred communal experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Part I: Devotional Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Part I: Call to Prayer — This track sets the tone for the entire album, blending improvisational jazz with a solemnity that invites listeners to reflect on the themes of faith and community.
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    Part II: Prayer: B. In This House — Here, Marsalis combines poignant melodies with rich harmonies, creating an intimate atmosphere that exemplifies the album’s spiritual essence and emotional depth.
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    Part III: In the Sweet Embrace of Life Sermon: A. Father — The extended format allows for deep improvisational dialogue among musicians, showcasing Marsalis’s compositional skills while embodying the sermon’s reflective message.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100
Alpine
Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album's blend of traditional hymns and jazz improvisation creates a unique spiritual experience.

What we noticed

  • The album is structured in three distinct parts, each containing multiple tracks that flow seamlessly into one another, creating a narrative arc.
  • Improvisational solos are interspersed throughout the suite, allowing for expressive interpretations of the hymns and spiritual themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective moments for deep thinking
  • spiritual journey through sound
  • dynamic progression with emotional depth
  • introspective listening on quiet evenings
  • participatory experience in communal settings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, catchy tunes
  • seek constant high energy

Where this album fits

Themes
spiritual reflection· gospel-infused jazz· American musical roots
Career context
In This House, On This Morning marked Wynton Marsalis's exploration of spiritual themes following his acclaimed album Black Codes (From the Underground). Released in 1994, this work came during a phase where Marsalis was solidifying his reputation as a pioneering force in jazz, melding classical influences into his compositions and expanding the genre's boundaries.
Stylistic neighbors
Branford Marsalis· Chris Botti· Roy Hargrove

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Part I: Devotional Start here 3:30
  • 2 Part I: Call to Prayer 5:58
  • 3 Part I: Processional 4:35
  • 4 Part I: Representative Offerings 6:46
  • 5 Part I: Representative Offerings: A. The Lord's Prayer 3:47
  • 6 Part II: Hymn 3:56
  • 7 Part II: Scripture 4:01
  • 8 Part II: Prayer: A. Introduction to Prayer 2:23
  • 9 Part II: Prayer: B. In This House 3:52
  • 10 Part II: Prayer: C. Choral Response 4:27
  • 11 Part II: Local Announcements 3:33
  • 12 Part II: Altar Call 1:29
  • 13 Part II: Altar Call (Introspection) 8:42

Disc 2

  • 1 Part III: In the Sweet Embrace of Life Sermon: A. Father 16:02
  • 2 Part III: In the Sweet Embrace of Life Sermon: B. Son 4:58
  • 3 Part III: In the Sweet Embrace of Life Sermon: C. Holy Ghost 6:56
  • 4 Part III: Invitational 5:59
  • 5 Part III: Recessional 10:33
  • 6 Part III: Benediction 3:25
  • 7 Part III: Uptempo Posthude 7:44
  • 8 Part III: Pot Blessed Dinner 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata