During the Covid-19 crisis, about three weeks ago, I awoke to the news that Ellis Marsalis had passed away. He was Wynton Marsalis' father, and a skilled jazz pianist in his own right.
Often, when I think about musicians I love, such as Wynton, I often wonder what their background was, and whether their parents or siblings had the gift of musicianship. I discovered that Wynton's Dad, Ellis Marsalis was a jazz pianist in his own right, and taught piano to many jazz musicians. In fact, one of his pupils was the pianist Harry Connick Junior.
Twenty plus years ago, I happened to be in Borders Books Store, perusing the wide selection of CDs they had in one section of the store. I found myself in the jazz CDs and noticed a CD cover with Wynton and Ellis Marsalis. The CD was Volume 3 The Standards, Resolution of Romance. I flipped over to the back cover, and realized that the songs listed, were ones that my mother sang, and listened to, particularly when she was cleaning around the house.
Jazz standards are musical compositions that are an important part of the musical repertoire of jazz musicians, in that they are widely known, performed, and recorded by jazz musicians. And they are songs that are widely known by listeners. I always think about the beautiful ballad Time After Time as a classic jazz standard. Written in 1947 by Sammy Cahn on lyrics and music by Jules Styne, it has been recorded and performed by so many jazz musicians I particularly like two versions, one by the singer Ella Fitzgerald and the other by the singer Tony Bennett.
So, when I saw the CD with Standards in the title, I thought, I need to buy this one! I learned after my purchase, what a gifted musician, Ellis Marsalis was, and the great musical influence he had on Wynton, and his other sons Branford, Delfeayo, Jason, Mboya, and Ellis III.
Take a look at this quick and wonderful summary of Ellis Marsalis. I think the article touches on Ellis as a husband, father, teacher and musician. https://apnews.com/571a69e03af0a78dbc5d0899ad156270
One of the things that touched me in the article link was when sons Ellis III and Delfeayo went to see their father play in a club. At the second set, there was only one man listening, but he was sleeping and drunk. Ellis III asked his father why he was continuing to play for an audience of one. Ellis responded that he was being paid to play a set, and he was going to stay and play, even if that man was the only person there. Ellis III told the article's author, that he learned that first lesson about integrity from his father.
It made me think about when I play at the James, sometimes, there may only be one person sitting in that area of the lobby. I often say to myself, this listener took the time to sit down and listen to me play, and I am going to give that listener, the best quality I can, in part because I committed to do so. It made me feel good to read that about Ellis Marsalis. Let's get real folks, musicians, both professional and amateur, we play our instrument or sing because we absolutely love it. We want to share the music that is in each of us. My mantra has always been changing hearts and minds one note at a time. This story reminds me that, this is exact what Ellis Marsalis was doing.
Ellis Marsalis had a great influence on the musicians of New Orleans. As a teacher, he spent his time and energy teaching students to play his kind of music. And the musical world is better for the knowledge he imparted, as a teacher and fellow musician.
Many lives are being lost during this Covid-19 crisis. Ellis Marsalis is one of the examples of the gems of this world who are lost to us. But, we have his music, and we will listen, and be inspired. And if you want to carry the inspiration with you, get that Standards CD, or download it, and experience the amazing Ellis Marsalis for yourself.
Rest in Peace Ellis Marsalis. It is a continuing honor to listen to your music......one of the best!
