This collection encompasses the trumpet virtuoso’s interpretations of jazz standards and ballads between the early ‘80s and late ‘90s. Selected from Marsalis’ vast back-catalogue, the album highlights his romantic side, with slow tempos and ballad feeling prevailing. This is enhanced by orchestral accompaniment on four tracks. The disc, however, mainly features Marsalis in the company of one of his great small groups. An accessible compilation, Standards and Ballads includes some highly engaging interpretations of such well known songs as Embraceable You, April in Paris, and Where or When. It is, however, Marsalis’ own Spring Yaoundé, the intimate, soulful duet with pianist Eric Reed, which is the highlight of this retrospective.