A legendary American jazz pianist, Ellis Marsalis Jr. switched from saxophone to piano while in high school. His peers in his early days as a New Orleans-based musician included Cannonball Adderley, Nat Adderley, and Al Hirt. Among his major career accomplishments are releasing nearly two dozen albums, receiving a NEA Jazz Masters Award, and being inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame. Also of note is that Marsalis — an undeniable influence on Terence Blanchard and Harry Connick Jr. — is the father of four notable musicians in trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonist Branford Marsalis, trombonist/producer Delfeayo Marsalis and drummer Jason Marsalis.
Ellis Marsalis is currently in New York for a series of concerts alongside Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. Also performing on January 26th and 27th at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space will be Steven Bernstein and The Hot 9. I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Mr. Marsalis, who can be visited online at www.ellismarsalis.com.
When was your first gig in New York City? What do you remember about it?
Ellis Marsalis: I can’t really remember it, but I do remember I wasn’t well prepared for it.
In your early days as a performer, you were reportedly one of the few New Orleans musicians who did not specialize in Dixieland or rhythm and blues. How would you describe the evolution of your style as a pianist?
Ellis Marsalis: In New Orleans, the musicians had to play everything in order to just survive. So we really did have to play everything…
As four of your sons are notable musicians, when did you first realize that music was going to be “the family business?”
Ellis Marsalis: I don’t consider it “the family business.” I think I realized Wynton and Branford were going to become professional musicians when they graduated from high school. Delfeayo was really kind of a different story because he started off as an audio engineering student in college, and then sort of fell back into music. Jason was a different story because he was always into music, and saw his older brothers into music.
You will be performing with Arturo O’Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra in New York a few days. Any idea what you will be performing?
Ellis Marsalis: I will performing a variety of songs with Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, including the classic New Orleans tunes “Iko Iko” and “Big Chief,” as well as a solo piano tune, and a piano tune with Arturo himself called “Mozartin,” written by Alvin Batiste.
Upcoming gig in New York aside, what is your coming up for you work-wise?
Ellis Marsalis: I am really focused right now on an international jazz piano competition that we will be launching soon. This competition will be unique in that it covers the entire scope of jazz piano playing and provides real challenges that are defining moments. Most important this competition is designed to be a real career builder for musicians.
When not busy with music, how do you like to spend your free time?
Ellis Marsalis: I have a variety of interests that are not centered around music, most are surrounded by civic organizations, educational initiatives. In New Orleans I am on a few boards, I am heavily involved as Artistic Director at the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, and we do a large amount of work with underprivileged children in New Orleans in music, dance,and the arts.
What was the last concert you attended for fun?
Ellis Marsalis: I went to see Chucho Valdes, who is one of my favorite pianists, and it was amazing.
Finally, Ellis, any last words for the kids?
Ellis Marsalis: I think it is important for kids to do what they love, and pursue what you are interested in. I think exposure to the performing arts of any kind is really important because it helps to build another side of children’s personalities.
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