CD Review: Delfeayo Marsalis and His Uptown Jazz Orchestra "Crescent City Jewels"

New Orleans is often referred to as the home of American Jazz, and still to this day, the city continues to be a strong supporter of American Jazz music and Jazz musicians.  The idea for this album was planted in Delfeayo many years ago arising out of a conversation between Trombonist, Composer and NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis and Composer and Drummer Max Roach.  Marsalis recalls, "Max told me, 'When I look around, I see greatness everywhere.  I see greatness in the postman who shows up every day to deliver mail, and in the teacher who is serious about teaching these kids.'  That one conversation changed my perception of the world that we live in and how best to represent it in my music."  Crescent City Jewels is Marsalis' effort to capture the present and past heroes of the New Orleans Jazz scene.  I believe Marsalis achieved his missions.  Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra have put together a marvelous group of songs that capture the essence of New Orleans Jazz and the City itself.  The CD expresses the bandleader's appreciation for the good things in life.  According to Marsalis, "What the Jazz community needs right now are bands that can bring joy and optimism.  We not only need it for the audiences, but other bands need to hear it.  There are so many bands that play what they consider to be modern music which may not be the most uplifting experience for the audience.  I feel very fortunate that I have a band, especially coming out of New Orleans, that can bring that emotion and joy."  I totally agree with Marsalis so let's get the party started. Crescent City Jewels brings together some of the finest Jazz musicians performing today and gifted them material from a variety of sources.  Marsalis has joined Jazz standards, great new originals,  classic by legendary figures like Thelonious Monk and Joe Henderson, and a few musical jewels from the Crescent City songbook.   And to finish the deal, he featured the band's soulful longtime singer, Tonya Boyd-Cannon. 

I have selected two songs for you to hear.  The first is a Marsalis original titled "Sidewalk Sizzle" and this funky tune really does sizzle.  Great playing by all and outstanding arrangement.   The second song is the Monk classic, "Round Midnight" sung brilliantly by Tonya Boyd-Cannon.  Enjoy!  

PLAYERS:

Trombones

Delfeayo Marsalis- Trombone, Arrangements, Leader

Terrance "Hollywood" Taplin, Charles Williams, TJ Norris, Ethan Santos

Saxophones: Khari Allen Lee, Aaron Narcisse, Khris Royal, Scott Johnson, Shaena Ryan, Trevarri Huff-Boone, Alonzo Bowers, Branford Marsalis, Roderick Johnson 

Gregory "Speedo" Agid- Clarinet

Trumpets: Scott Frack, Andrew Baham, John Grey, Ashlin Parker, John Culbreth, Lynn Grissett

Piano: Kyle Roussel, Shea Pierre, Victor Campbell, Davell Crawford

FEATURING: Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Kermit Ruffins, Brandford Marsalis, Davell Crawford, Maurice "Meaux" Trosclair, Aaron Narcisse, Andrew Baham, Chris Severin, Herlin Riley

 "Sidewalk Sizzle"
  

                                                               

                                                                            "Round Midnight"

CD Review: Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra, "Jazz Party"

Acclaimed Trombonist, Composer, Producer and Band Leader, Delfeayo Marsalis has released his seventh CD entitled "Jazz Party".  If you love the New Orleans music vibe, this is a CD you will want to add to your music collection.  The goal of this CD was to capture the exuberant energy of the Wednesday night shows he does with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra at Snug Harbor in New Orleans.  I am sure that you will agree after hearing the two cuts attached below that he has accomplished his goal!  Marsalis states "Jazz, the indigenous American music, is a music of celebration and optimism.  The Uptown Jazz Orchestra is such a fun band that I wanted to capture its uniqueness.  The idea was to keep the wide variety of styles that we play but to really capture the joy that is a central trademark of the band".

Delfeayo Marsalis is recognized as one of the best Jazz Trombonists performing today and he also has composed over 100 songs that help introduce kids to Jazz through musical theatre.  He has musically touched over 5,000 students nationally with his "Swinging with the Cool School" soft introduction to Jazz workshops.  Marsalis is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, holds a master's degree in Jazz performance from the University of Louisville and was conferred a doctorate by New England College.  Delfeayo Marsalis is a major Jazz star that never lost site of who he is and where he came from.  Even though Delfeayo has become a major Jazz performer and composer he contributes much time and effort to keep Jazz alive by exposing Jazz to young people. 

If you like the feel of New Orleans and its Jazz scene, no doubt you will love this CD.

    

I have attached two "YouTube" videos that will give you a good taste of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra.  The first one is the title track, "Jazz party" composed by Delfeayo that features vocalist Tonya Boyd-Cannon.  The second one highlights the energy of the Orchestra, "Raid on the Mingus House Party".   

"Jazz Party"

"Raid on the Mingus House Party"