Wynton Marsalis: Delfeayos Dilemma

On Black Codes, then 23-year-old Wynton Marsalis shakes the all-too-apparent influences of his earlier years to expand on his developing, signature style. Unlike his previous recordings, Marsalis relies less heavily on technical virtuosity and more on his darkened tone and lyrical delivery. He flexes his compositional muscles as well, with six of the seven tracks coming from his pen. The rest of the group is in superb form, with inspired solos and intense, sympathetic interaction throughout. This is an important recording in the Marsalis discography, one which showcases the trumpeter during his formative years.