He’s still controversial, but recently Wynton Marsalis has seen a bit of a re-evaluation—pointing out that beneath all the bile over his musico-political views, Marsalis is a brilliant and absurdly accomplished musician. His performance last night at the Kennedy Center (sponsored by the Washington Performing Arts Society), with the 14-piece Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, bore that premise out.

The program was designed with the broadest appeal in mind: big band arrangements of two children’s songs (”Old MacDonald Had A Farm” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider”); a rip-roaring, traditional New Orleans blues; and tuneful pieces by Benny Carter, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. A fairly safe setlist, perhaps, but with superlative arrangements tackled by stellar, risk-taking performers. Trombonist Vincent Gardner might be the band’s most gifted arranger (apart from Marsalis himself), turning in gorgeous settings of Kenny Dorham’s “Trompeta Toccata” and Monk’s “Light Blue.” He’s one to watch in the future…as are soloists Marcus Printup (trumpet) and Walter Blanding (saxophone). The former played one of the most flawless solos I’ve ever heard on “Bye-Ya”; the latter has done something entirely fresh on his tenor, emoting confidence and forthrightness while reining in the instrument’s inbred swagger.

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Duke Ellington Jazz Festival (DEJF) Executive producer Charlie Fishman and managing director Sunny Sumter have announced the 2009 lineup for the DEJF.

As previously announced, the theme for this year is “The Musical Heritage of New Orleans,” and the headliner as such is trumpeter Terence Blanchard — who will be performing his 2007 piece A Tale of God’s Will: Requiem for Katrina in its entirety on June 12, in a free concert at the National Mall.

Another highlight is a closing concert tribute to New Orleans pianist Ellis Marsalis, which will feature his sons Branford, Jason, and Delfeayo, along with Harry Connick Jr., a 15-piece big band, and some surprises.

The list of featured artists after the jump.
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