Delfeayo Marsalis - Kalamazoo (2017)

It takes real talent from true jazz professionals to make an
evening of playing familiar standards into a “musical event.”
That is accomplished by trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis, who
along with his father, iconic pianist, Ellis Marsalis, Jr.,
bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer, Ralph Peterson, recorded a
concert at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, on April
17, 2015. Delfeayo was at the University to lead a student
workshop, and perform an evening concert.

Delfeayo has become a preeminent trombonist at the top of his
game. His tone is warm and burnished with an innate swing that
brings to mind J.J. Johnson. His father, Ellis, does not get as
much press (outside of his home, New Orleans) as his
multi-talented sons, but his piano playing blends the strengths
of Basie and Bill Evans. The audience response to Ellis on “It
Don’t Mean a Thing” shows an appreciation of his piano mastery.

Beginning with the 1923 penned, “Tin Roof Blues,” the quartet
concentrates on mellow tempo blues standards. The theme of
romance permeates the evening and “My Funny Valentine” is a
heart melting ballad. A whimsical “Sesame Street Theme” is
given a funky treatment.

“If I Were a Bell” features Ellis and the rhythm section, and
Reginald Veal on bass shines. “The Secret Love Affair” is the
sole composition from Delfeayo and was featured on his last CD,
The Last Southern Gentleman, (a five star release!). It’s
sumptuous, and would make a superb theme song for a detective
noir film. (Cue to a late night smoky bar…)

Near the end of the evening, Delfeayo brought out two WMU music
students onto the stage for an on the spot improv blues, “Blue
Kalamazoo” and Christian O’Neill Diaz holds his own with some
mellow scatting. Drummer Ralph Peterson steps aside mid tune for
Madison George to get behind the drum kit.

The concert concludes with a father/son duo reading of “Do You
Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans.” Its tenderness,
complete with Delfeayo’s use of a wah-wah mute echoes a
memorable evening for both the site audience, as well as today’s
listening public over two years later.