Delfeayo Marsalis set out to showcase the depth and dynamic range of New Orleans music with CRESCENT CITY JEWELS, and he, along with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, pulled it off brilliantly.
Troubadour Jass Records
Trombones – Delfeayo Marsalis, Maurice “Meaux” Trosclair, Terrance “Hollywood” Taplin, Charles Williams, T.J. Norris; Bass Trombone – Ethan Santos; Saxophones – Khari Allen Lee, Aaron Narcisse, Khris Royal, Roderick Paulin, Scott Johnson, Shaena Ryan, Trevarri Huff-Boone, Alonzo Bowens, Branford Marsalis; Clarinet – Gregory “Speedo” Agid; Bass – Chris Severin; Guitar – Kenny Brown; Drums – Jarrel Allen, Brian Richburg Jr., Herlin Riley (+ Tambourine); Vocals – Tonya Boyd-Cannon; Trumpets – Scott Frock, Andrew Baham, John Gray (Vocal on ‘Lil Liza Jane’), Ashlin Parker, John Culbreth, Lynn Grissett; Piano – Kyle Roussel, Victor Campbell, Davell Crawford (Vocal on ‘Basin Street Blues’)
Delfeayo Marsalis set out to release a big band album that would shift the world’s focus from all the negativity, and CRESCENT CITY JEWELS with his Uptown Jazz Orchestra delivers just that. Marsalis said, “What the jazz community needs right now are bands that can bring joy and optimism.”
Marsalis shows off the UJO’s knack for breathing new energy into songs, pulling together an eclectic mix of jazz standards, fresh new originals, classics from greats like Thelonious Monk and Joe Henderson, and a few treasures from New Orleans ’own music history.
Grammy-winning producer, trombonist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master Delfeayo Marsalis has had a prolific career promoting music, theatre, and education. He’s toured with legends like Ray Charles, Art Blakey, and Max Roach, plus leading his own groups. Starting as a producer at 17, Marsalis has produced over 120 recordings, earning a Grammy and multiple nominations. In 2008, he formed the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, a dynamic ensemble dedicated to jazz traditions like riff playing, and collective improvisation, where musicians play different melodies or variations, creating an interweaving texture, rather than the more modern approach where instruments take turns soloing.
Marsalis composed “Sidewalk Sizzle,” and it captures the essence of New Orleans perfectly. It’s like walking through the French Quarter on a steamy August afternoon and seeing the heat rising off the sidewalks. Chris Severin’s bass delivers a deep, funky New Orleans groove, while Marsalis’s trombone solos beautifully over it all.
Kermit Ruffins delivers a standout rendition on Jesse Hill’s classic ‘Ooh Poo Pah Doo,’ with the band layering in smooth vocal harmonies. Tenor saxophonist Orlando Gilbert shines in his solo, drawing from his deep roots in the brass band tradition.
Marsalis wanted to spotlight the orchestra’s longtime vocalist, Tonya Boyd-Cannon, whose range spans from deeply emotional ballads to jazz, funk, rock, gospel, and everything in between. Harold Arlen and Truman Capote’s ‘A Sleeping ’Bee ’steps away from the orchestra’s usual New Orleans groove, embracing a more polished, uptown big band sound. Boyd-Cannon’s vocals, are smooth, laid-back, and effortlessly cool, sitting just behind the beat.
Singing a Thelonious Monk tune isn’t easy—his melodies are really unique, and his harmonies can be pretty out there. Monk would probably dig Boyd-Cannon’s version of ‘Round Midnight. ’
And while ‘Summertime’ may feel overdone, Boyd-Cannon’s rendition, highlighted by a fantastic alto sax solo from Khris Royal, proves it’s still worth listening to.
Joe Henderson’s classic ‘Inner Urge’ gets the full big band treatment, and it swings like mad. Branford Marsalis delivers a standout tenor sax solo, while Victor Campbell shines on piano. Jason Stewart’s steady walking bass and Jarrell Allen’s sharp drumming keep the groove locked in tight.
Delfeayo Marsalis set out to showcase the depth and dynamic range of New Orleans music with CRESCENT CITY JEWELS, and he, along with the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, pulled it off brilliantly.
