[TPIN] Wynton's jazz tone

[Gregg Archer]

I have always had tremendous respect for Wynton Marsalis's playing since I first bought his 1983 classical debut album, but I have a question about his tone.  On his classical recordings, such as the wonderful "Baroque Duet" (with "Let the Bright Seraphim") that we've discussed here on TPIN lately, he has clear tone with a very clean attack.  However, when I listen to many of his jazz recordings, such as the YouTube video of him playing "Green Chimneys", I hear a fuzzier attack and often a fuzzier tone as well.  Is this something that's intentional to suit the style, is it a by-product of using maybe a different mouthpiece, both, or neither?

And truly, no offense meant to the man.  He is truly awesome in both the classical and jazz arenas IMO.

--Gregg Archer