Released in 1987, this album started Wynton Marsalis's 'Standard Time' series, dedicated to reinterpreting jazz standards. Recorded with his then-current quartet, including Marcus Roberts on piano, Robert Hurst on bass, and Jeff Watts on drums, it shows a more classical and melodic approach.
The album includes versions of compositions by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Thelonious Monk, among others. Marsalis aimed to pay homage to jazz tradition, but with fresh arrangements and virtuosic execution reflecting his deep knowledge of the genre's history.
It received praise for its elegance and sensitivity, and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance. This album solidified Marsalis as a defender of acoustic and traditional jazz, at a time when fusion and pop jazz dominated the charts.