Ellis Marsalis’ Whistle Stop served as an important reminder that New Orleans’ jazz patriarch was still a hat-tipping, oh-so-swinging piano man – something the thoughtful, often romantic playing on his 1991 Heart of Gold release and then Marsalis Standard Time, Vol. 3 with trumpet-playing son Wynton couldn’t have hinted at.
This cat, you’re reminded, can cook.
Ellis Marsalis sat in with son Branford and a working group of bassist Bob Hurst and drummer Jeff Watts that had helped Marsalis’ eldest establish himself as the most challenging, and satisfying, saxophonist of the period. (Younger son Jason Marsalis also appears on drums during two tracks.)
The sound is strictly bop and hard bop, but with some distinct Crescent City flavoring. Here’s how you know: Composers include clarinetist James Black, educator Alvin Batiste and Ellis himself.
In keeping, the sound on Whistle Stop leapt away from the quietly inspiring vibe of Ellis’ then-recent sides. This record shamed men half Ellis Marsalis’ age, and still does.
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