The Marsalis Family: An Update

Date: 07.16.2007
Publication: Marsalis Music

Since the release of The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration in 2003 members of the Marsalis Family have been hard at work pursuing divergent but equally intriguing musical endeavors. In 2005 Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of the family released An Evening with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet on ELM Records, a label he is developing with his wife, Dolores, and son Jason.

Branford Marsalis, the eldest of Ellis and Dolores Marsalis’ six sons has been consistently touring, recording, and producing since the 2003 release. His work with artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Joey Calderazzo, Doug Wamble and Miguel Zenón continue to interest and excite diverse members of the jazz community. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, signed to Blue Note Records, has dedicated himself to his performance work as well as serving as artistic director for Jazz at Lincoln Center, an organization dedicated to presenting jazz and educational music outreach through a multitude of venues, including the new home for the organization which opened in October 2004. He recently released From the Plantation to the Penitentiary in March of 2007.

Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis has devoted himself to music production and his own musical pursuits. He recently released Minions Dominion in 2006 and is currently working on developing concerts with the Minnesota Orchestra for the 2007-08 season. Jason Marsalis, the youngest of the Marsalis family, continues to record with the Basin Street Jazz Label and tour. Clearly, this family with treasured musical gifts continues to sharpen their talents and share their expertise with the world.