The Malcolm X Jazz Suite

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

The Malcolm X Jazz Suite was released on 20 April 1993 on Columbia. Terence Blanchard wrote and orchestrated the music for Spike Lee's last two films up to that point, Jungle Fever and Malcolm X. For this album he chose the strongest themes from the second film and arranged them for a jazz quintet. Bassist Tarus Mateen, tenor saxophonist Sam Newsome, pianist Bruce Barth and drummer Troy Davis had also played on the film score.

Critics were enthusiastic. Scott Yanow of AllMusic called it one of his best records and felt that the music stands up on its own, apart from the film. David Hajdu of Entertainment Weekly heard influences of the reflective, modal jazz that Miles Davis made in the time of Malcolm X's rise. In 1994 the album was nominated for a Soul Train Music Award.

Listening

Track list

1. 1The Opening8:30Apple Music ↗
2. 2Melody for Laura6:26Apple Music ↗
3. 3Theme for Elijah5:25Apple Music ↗
4. 4Blues for Malcolm12:06Apple Music ↗
5. 5The Nation4:53Apple Music ↗
6. 6Malcolm's Theme6:07Apple Music ↗
7. 7Betty's Theme7:39Apple Music ↗
8. 8Malcolm Makes Hajj4:37Apple Music ↗
9. 9Malcolm At Peace11:22Apple Music ↗
10. 10Perpetuity4:30Apple Music ↗
11. 11Malcolm's Theme1:47Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗