W. Marsalis' BLOOD ON THE FIELDS, Jazz @ LC

Wynton Marsalis & his Jazz Orchestra performed Marsalis' Pulitze Prize winning BLOOD ON THE FIELDS.  This is a heartfelt, jazz orchestration that tells of our nation's heinous institution of slavery through the compelling story of a husband & wife, Jesse & Leona, captured and forced into slavery.  Marsalis uses his musical mastery to capture the emotions and experiences of slavery through the intimate look into the lives of this couple. Marsalis' original musical genius and his syntax of brilliant prose draw you, leaving you with an indelible reminder of the heinous institution of slavery & of the indomitable human spirit.  A sparse narrative is told by Marsalis.  Three highly acclaimed artists sing the parts of Jesse, Leona & Juba another slave who provides sage advice & some jubilation to Leona & Jesse's saga. The vocalists, Gregory Porter, Kenny Washington & Paula West sing with soulful elegance & feeling adding their own jazz interpretations that enhance the story telling.  Marsalis has several jazz solos that are works of art in & of themselves but the impact of the entire orchestration and performance is radiant, and an important work of art that speaks to the heart of our dark history.  It is no surprise that Marsalis received the Pulitzer Prize for his composition.   The enigma is why it hasn't been performed since 1994 or annually for that matter.  It should also be performed in perpetuity.