Wynton Marsalis Quartet: The Magic Hour

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * )

How many albums has trumpeter/band leader Marsalis recorded? Back in the late 90s there was the eight disc "Swinging into the 21st" series, before that there had been his Soul Gestures in Southern Blue series, the Live at the Village Vanguard box set, some things for ballets and symphonic works ... There were also diminishing sales returns which perhaps explains his departure from Sony.

Marsalis is now on Blue Note and has taken his cheerleader Stanley Crouch with him to write the on-going hagiography disguised as liner notes.

The Magic Hour is Marsalis letting his hair down (sort of) and although these tunes remain immaculately groomed they do conjure up the atmosphere of a sophisticated New Orleans party with vocalists Dianne Reeves and Bobby McFerrin dropping by. There's some fun here - check the sprightly Free To Be - and of course Marsalis' pure tone is both engaging and inoffensive, which makes for undemanding listening.

Casual listeners to Marsalis, and there is probably no other kind these days, will find this an enjoyable set which doesn't take itself too seriously.

(Blue Note)