Liner Notes
02.04.2003

Many have tried, but prior to the evening of August 4, 2001, none had succeeded in bringing Ellis Marsalis and all four of his music-playing sons together on the same bandstand.   Dovetailing schedules is no simple matter for the members of the most prominent and active family in jazz.  It was not until the University of New Orleans scheduled a tribute concert to mark Ellis’ retirement from its music faculty and the establishment of a chair in his honor that the much-anticipated conjunction took place.  The event was guaranteed to be memorable, but could it live up to the expectations that had been building for the better part of two decades?
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Marsalis Music
02.04.2003

ELLIS MARSALIS

• During your formative years, how did radio serve as an influence?

 I learned a lot about listening as a result of the radio.  From the popular standard fare such as Tommy Dorsey, Helen O’Connell and Glenn Miller to the mystery shows such as Lights Out, The Shadow, Superman and the Lone Ranger, whose theme song came from Rossini.  Later, I heard a modern show that was programming the music of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker and I said Wow! What is THAT?  That experience caused me to move into the direction that I would ultimately pursue.
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Marsalis Music
02.04.2003

Multi-generational jazz families were once the rule in New Orleans.  The music’s early history is filled with such storied names as brass band leader Henry Allen, Sr. and his son, trumpet great Henry “Red” Allen, Jr.; drum pioneer Louis Cottrell, Sr. and his clarinet-playing offspring Louis, Jr.; Onward Brass Band cornetist Edward Hall and his sons, clarinetists Edmond, Herb and Robert; and the celebrated Humphrey clan that included Jim, son Willie Eli, and grandsons Earl, Percy and Willie James.
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