Marsalis Family Jams at the Kennedy Center

The first family of jazz played a rare show all together for a special occasion. The four musical Marsalis sons--Wynton, Branford, Jason, and Delfeayo--and their non-musical brother Ellis, Jr. gave their daddy Ellis, 74, a lifetime achievement award and honored him through song and poetry.

Ellis Sr. was part of the band, who played songs dear to Ellis from throughout his career, starting with Louis Jordan's "Choo Choo Cha Boogie." Other musical highlights included "Sweet Georgia Brown," which I affectionately call the Harlem Globetrotters song, and "Monkey Puzzle," the title track from a 1963 album of the same name.

Ellis Jr. came out midway through to read a beautiful poem he'd written paying homage to his father's grace. The boys also honored their mom, Delores, who sat in the first balcony. Ellis Sr. beamed and chuckled as his sons each shared memories of their parents, many of them heartwarming and humorous. During the evening, among the tidbits we learned: Jason demonstrated he is a prolific whistler with perfect pitch; Mama Delores taught her boys the importance of respect and literacy; Ellis recalled first meeting Harry Connick, Jr. when he was an 11-year-old precocious kid but was immediately impressed by his talent; Wynton let a then 18-year old Harry stay at his New York apartment for a bit, as Harry panicked if he might ever get a gig; Ellis Sr. took pride in fulfiling every commitment and even played gigs where only one or two people showed up, even if, Branford recounted, both attendees were sleeping.

As if the stage wasn't already overflowing with greatness, two special guests came out during the second set to perform: Billy Taylor on piano and Harry Connick, Jr. on piano and vocals. It was an exquisite evening of music.

(from top) Wynton marches up the aisle during the New Orleans second line parade that ended an incredible evening of music; Ellis at the Steinway; Branford and Wynton jam.

SET LIST (courtesy of Delfeayo)
choo choo cha boogie
donna lee
monkey puzzle
over in the gloryland
syndrome

body & soul (piano duet, Ellis w/ Dr. Billy Taylor)
sweet georgia brown (piano duet, Ellis w/ Harry Connick, Jr.)
stardust (Ellis on piano, Harry Connick, Jr. on vocals)
Ode to E - poem
teo
at the house, in da pocket
2nd line