Saturday, August 28, 2010

FAMILY GATHERING

Ellis, you have to be a proud father. You raised talented sons, and they expressed their gratitude and admiration for you on this outstanding arranged and produced live recording "Music Redeems". The album starts with the Charlie Parker ditty "Donna Lee". Jason, puts his spin on the be bop staple, whistling the melody during his drum solo. Jason is a classy drummer never one to showboat, and his net worth is on display throughout the album. On "Monkey Puzzle", he shows he's a competent vibraphonist as well. You take the piano on a leisurely stroll on the ballad "After". You are a sleek improviser. The album's high points were Harry Connick Jr. sassy take on 'Sweet Georgia Brown". On the steamer, "At the House, In Da Pocket", you and Connick Jr. trade measures back and forth like cheat sheets. Brandford, Wynton, and Delfeayo, of course, came with their A-chops, showing a collective work ethic on the final selection "2nd Line". The music on "Music Redeems" is top grade swing, which is the Marsalis family's forte.

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