The Marsalis Family
In 1981, trumpeterWynton Marsalisand saxophonistBranford Marsalisburst on the scene as the young lions who started a jazz renaissance. They were followed by their younger brothers, trombonistDelfeayoand drummerJason. Incredible as it sounds, they've never recorded together as a family. On August 4, 2001, at the University of New Orleans, they performed with their father, the esteemed pianist and educatorEllis Marsalisin a concert that marked his retirement from the school's jazz department. Supported by bassist Roland Guerin, the family delivers a swinging live program of standards and original works in trio, quartet, and sextet combinations. The elder Marsalis's pristine pianism colors his midtempo tune "Swingin' at the Haven," while Jason Marsalis's Afro-tinged intro peppers the standard "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top." Wynton and Branford declare their brotherly love on the saxophonist's Ornette Coleman-esque "Cain and Abel." Actor-singer-pianistHarry Connick Jr.joins in on the fun with "Twelve's It" and "St. James Infirmary."--Eugene Holley Jr.