The 50 must-have New Orleans records
Ellis Marsalis - "Whistle Stop" - Sony - 1993
It took the rise of his sons Wynton and Branford for Ellis Marsalis to become a nationally known pianist, one who could record regularly and draw audiences across the country, but here on “Whistle Stop” Ellis shows why he’s the elder, crafting a wonderful jazz record rivaling anything his family tree has put out.
“Whistle Stop,” released in 1993, features Branford Marsalis on sax and one of the first appearances of Ellis’s youngest son, Jason Marsalis, on the drums. It starts off with the the title track, a chipper, fast-paced tune that builds to a satisfying climax, and ends on a high note with "When We First Met," a song intended to have lyrics that perhaps works even better as a powerful piano solo.
One of the elder statesmen of jazz -- and I'm not just talking about those from New Orleans -- Ellis Marsalis is a treat here on this accessible, lively record.
- Chad Bower
Ellis Marsalis - "After"
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