Renowned for his musical prowess, Delfeayo Marsalis, along with his family, has dedicated his life to the performance, preservation, and education of the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.
According to Marsalis, the sound of New Orleans music is unparalleled.
“It’s got that rhythm, that bounce,” Marsalis expressed. “It compels you to move, to dance. It’s truly a unique and extraordinary experience.”
On Monday at 7 p.m., Marsalis will be bringing this distinctive New Orleans sound to Central Park in Schenectady. The acclaimed trombonist will be performing a free concert on the Music Haven stage, accompanied by the SUNY Schenectady Jazz Faculty Combo.
As the son of the late Ellis Marsalis Jr., a respected pianist and music professor, Delfeayo Marsalis is one of six brothers. Four of them, including Delfeayo, Wynton (trumpet), Branford (saxophone), and Jason (drums), have pursued careers in music.
Music was always a focal point in the Marsalis household, thanks to their father’s influence. However, Ellis Marsalis Jr. also ensured his sons had a balanced childhood.
“My father always emphasized that children should be allowed to be children,” Delfeayo recalled. “We were given ample free time to just enjoy ourselves. We used to play various games outdoors. I have fond memories of those times.”
All the Marsalis brothers received their education at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. This institution, established in 1973, has produced numerous successful alumni, including Grammy and Academy Award winner Jon Batiste, actor/singer Harry Connick Jr., actor Anthony Mackie, and musicians like the Marsalis siblings, Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, Terence Blanchard, and Donald Harrison.
Despite Ellis Marsalis Jr.’s respect within the jazz community, he wasn’t a prominent figure in the music industry. The family’s fame skyrocketed when Wynton moved to New York City in 1979 and embarked on a successful career, winning nine Grammys and the 1997 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
Delfeayo, along with his brothers and father, performed in Schenectady at a concert at Proctors in 2003. He is eagerly anticipating his return on Monday.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Schenectady,” Marsalis said. “It’s been a few years since I last performed there with my father, and I also did another concert with [drummer] Elvin Jones in the past. I’m really looking forward to playing there again.”
On Monday night, Marsalis will be performing with the SUNY Schenectady Faculty Jazz Combo, a group consisting of Mia Scirocco on vocals, Dylan Canterbury on trumpet, Brian Patenaude and Christopher Brellochs on saxophone, Kevin Grudecki on guitar, Dave Gleason on piano, Jarod Geco and Erik Johnson on bass, and Bob Halek on drums.
As a music educator himself — he founded the New Orleans-based Uptown Music Theatre in 2000 — Marsalis is excited to be collaborating with a group of musicians who are committed to passing on the legacy of jazz to the next generation.
“I recall reading an article shortly after Ray Charles passed away where the question was asked, ‘Can students learn the blues in school?’ And he replied, ‘Yes, if you teach it to them,’ ” Marsalis said. “I believe it’s crucial to have a platform for individuals to exchange ideas. That’s been the tradition for many years, and being on that stage, that’s really when you put all of the education into practice. The most important part is to get out there and play the gig.”
The upcoming show will feature a variety of New Orleans classics, some selections from artists like Fats Domino that lean more towards R&B, several of Marsalis’ original compositions, and music from West Coast arranger Dave Pell that Marsalis will be performing for the first time.
“It’s always exhilarating to play with new musicians and exchange different ideas,” Marsalis said. “Without this concert, I wouldn’t have been introduced to the wonderful music of Dave Pell. … That’s always a thrill.
“And it’s an opportunity to bring the New Orleans style to different places. Many people don’t get a chance to actually play the authentic New Orleans sound. I always enjoy doing that, so it’s going to be a great time.”
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Agree, good punctuation and grammar: Excited to see Delfeayo Marsalis bring the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to Music Haven!
Excited to experience the authentic New Orleans sound at Music Haven!