Every song is a beautiful display of technique, lyricism, and enthusiasm. This is modern jazz at its finest. All of the musicians are just amazing, Charnett Moffett (bass), Ron Carter (bass), Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums), Branford Marsalis (tenor and soprano saxophone), and Kenny Kirkland (piano). Each musician plays with a deep passion and understanding for Wynton's musical vision. This was one of the releases at the time that carried the torch for jazz, blending both a straight-ahead, classic sound with more progressive, experimental parts. ‘Black Codes’ exemplifies Wynton Marsalis' mastery of both composition and performance. The rhythm section is sickeningly tight, and the two Marsalises play beautifully.