A mixture of generations takes place here, as trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis teams up with his father and pianist Ellis Marsalis and the adroit John Clayton/b with Marvin “Smitty” Smith/dr for a collection of lyrical and personal readings of standards.
Marsalis lets the textures and sonorities of his horn do the convincing here. He’s not out here to prove that he’s got chops as much to show his taste. He’s languid and sensuous with Clayton’s reverberating bass on “The Secret Love Affair” and can glow on the easy striding “Autumn Leaves.” He uses a plunger to wah wah with Clayton’s bass as he takes you to another world and era on “That Old Feeling.” He seems in no rush as he ambles with Clayton on “That Old Feeling” patiently waiting for Papa Ellis to join the team on piano until Smith finally joins in late on the conversation. Ellis’ warm and knowing hands caress the keys on “She’s Funny That Way” and leads the trio as he skips along on “If I Were A Bell.” Still, it’s a trombone show here, and Delfeayo lets it purr, coo, warble and sigh as on “Speak Low” or the lovingly slinky theme to “Sesame Street.” As comfy as a coffee in the Latin Quarter.
Troubadour Jass Records
www.dmarsalis.com