Where's Wynton's Horn?

Several observers have asked why Wynton Marsalis hasn't played his trumpet during recent performances of his "Congo Square" composition for large ensemble.

The answer, courtsey of the New York Times: "Wynton Marsalis has an inflammation of the lip that has forced him to take a break from playing trumpet, Jazz at Lincoln Center confirmed yesterday."

According to the story, Wynton's doctor told the trumpeter that he shouldn't play during the month of May, because of an inflammation of the lip. The problem has resulted in the cancellation of a concert with the Orion String Quartet, and a June tour that he had planned with fellow New Orleans-bred acts Dr. John and the Neville Brothers.

(Marsalis and Dr. John, of course, have long lived in NYC, and only one Neville brother, keyboardist Art, is still based in the Crescent City).

Marsalis's lip troubles remind me of the time, a number of years ago, when fellow New Orleans trumpeter Terence Blanchard experienced lip problems, and took several months off to work on his embouchure. Blanchard, also known as the composer for Spike Lee's soundtracks, returned a much stronger player.

Blanchard, by the way, reportedly put on a great show at the Jazz Tent during the first weekend of Jazz Fest. I missed his set, but I did catch his terrific guitarist, West African-born Lionel Loueke, perform earlier in the day with Herbie Hancock, drummer Brian Blade and bassist Marcus Miller. My thoughts on that set are included in the Jazz Fest post, below.