Ellis Marsalis’ first recording of thelonious Monk’s music represents the essence of Monk’s genius and the fun elements of the interaction of a jazz quartet. Includes familiar classics “Straight, No Chaser” and “‘Round Midnight.”
“When the subject of jazz comes up these days, the name Marsalis is soon sure to follow. Brothers Branford, Wynton, Delfeayo, and Jason have all reached international fame. But before they found success, their father Ellis was shaping his own career as a jazz pianist and composer … ellis Marsalis has become one of the most renowned music educators in the US, imparting his extensive knowledge of jazz to students like pianist and vocalist Harry Connick, Jr., trumpeter terence Blanchard, and of course, his four sons.” — NPR
“Before his sons came to prominence, ellis Marsalis was a little known (but admired) New Orleans piano player and teacher … On this record, the unassuming confidence and gift for harmonic variety that have made Marsalis such a fine accompanist are on full display … And what he achieves from beginning to end is a sort of quiet magic.” — One Final Note
“A modern-jazz innovator in New Orleans during the mid-1950s, Marsalis is also a renowned teacher whose former pupils include such modern-day jazz artists as Terence Blanchard, Donald Harrison, Harry Connick Jr., nicholas Payton, kent & Marlon Jordan, and Steve Masakowski, among many others.” — JazzTimes |