Another generation of New Orleans musical families in the spotlight
26th March 2018 · 0 Comments
By Geraldine Wyckoff
Contributing Writer
In a city renowned for its musical families, it nonetheless still remains somehow startling just how that tradition keeps on going and going. The subjects of the album reviews below, vibest/drummer Jason Marsalis and drummer Jamal Batiste are, of course, the sons of Ellis Marsalis and David Batiste, respectively. Both made their first appearances on stage with the fathers’ bands (Batiste with his uncles too, in the Batiste Brothers Band) and have stretched out on their own in directions that reflect their musical backgrounds. Marsalis is naturally a jazz man and the younger Batiste goes in for more funk, groove and hip-hop.
Jason Marsalis and the 21st Century Trad Band
Melody Reimagined: Book 1
(Basin Street Records)
Jason Marsalis utilizes his encyclopedic musical knowledge to link past, present and future on this brilliantly conceived album, Melody Reimagined: Book 1. On the disc, melodies suggest melodies that often lead to either new or familiar paths. To this end, Marsalis creates original tunes with one foot in the past.
For instance, the disc opens with “Radio Man Strikes Again,” a “reimagined” take on saxophonist John Coltrane’s classic “Traneing.” Jazz fans will recognize the familiar melody of the tune though for others, Marsalis has graciously and gratefully provided the inspiration for this, and all of the songs, alongside of its title. The passion of Trane’s original is captured by Marsalis’ hugely talented quartet, which he leads on vibraphone, with pianist Austin Johnson, bassist Will Goble and drummer Dave Potter. Johnson’s performance is a bow to the great Red Garland who played with Coltrane on his masterpiece. The combo of all percussive instruments is well-matched rhythmically and tonally to make this cut soar.
Bassist Goble kicks off the imaginatively titled, “Just as Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow,” with Marsalis entering the conversation in quiet a quiet manner. It’s a slow, bluesy number that references the chestnut “Willow Weep for Me,” the melody of which becomes more apparent when the whole group is onboard. It then has occasion to head in its own new direction.
For many and particularly for New Orleanians, the most apparent example of Marsalis’ concept may be realize on “Basin Street Ain’t Mardi Gras,” a clever and accurate title in itself. It’s a play on Paul Barbarin’s classic “Bourbon Street Parade,” and rhythmically drummer Potter even suggests a second line beat. Most will recognize Marsalis’ vibes throwing in Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke” – “You can feel it all over…” and the chestnut “Dinah.” Perhaps Marsalis’ reconfiguring these tunes is a new twist on old school jazzers, especially his father, pianist Ellis, routinely quoting songs within their own works. A lively number, it should put a smile on the face of listeners.
There are quieter moments as well including “A Peaceful Silence” that warmly embraces pianist Horace Silver’s “Peace” and bassist Charlie Haden’s “Silence.” All the musicians here use their lightest touches to convey the spirit of the original’s mood that is thoughtfully shared by this new, beautifully serene creation.
On the final cut, the “remake” theme is abandoned as Marsalis invites his father and brother, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis into the session on the vibraphonist’s original, “80.” It’s a tastey ballad that feels very much at home with the rest of the selections.
Most people have thought of a song and the next thing you know it reminds you of another. Jason Marsalis uses this reality in producing Melody Reimagined: Book 1. In doing so, he respectfully and intriguingly pays homage to the material’s creators and extends the longevity of their melodies for generations to come. Meanwhile he adds a fresh outlook on music’s endless possibilities.
Jamal Batiste
All Rock’d Up
(Jam-Pro Music)
It’s refreshingly all about a positive outlook on drummer Jamal Batiste’s album All Rock’d Up. In the hot style of today, the album mixes rapping, singing and on some cuts a full band with the results of making it at once hip and musical.
The lyrics, however, often take a starring role as they immediately do on the opener, “In the War.” With Batiste kin – Michael “Mik Jag” Batiste and Jordan “Ka$h Batiste aboard along with vocalist Vegas Cole, it begins with a spoken word format and offers: “The question is hate; the answer is love.” “I don’t need any war,” sings Cole, “that’s how I know it’s real.” Meanwhile Batiste’s drums passionately drive the song forward. A solid truism in this song: “Your brain is your weapon.”
Batiste, “Mik Jag” along with vocalist Sammi Joy and rapper Fya the Phenom contribute to the melodic and memorable “Decisions.” The quiet keyboards and singing offer contrast to the funk of the rap. “Today my grandmother told me how proud she is of me… the human soul is like a pot of gold,” say the real-to-life rap with Joy coming in to sing the chorus, “No more lies, no more lies.”
The words of wisdom and questions like “Where are the songs that teach you how to make a profit?” and “Call me hustler ‘cause I hustle hard work” weave their way throughout the album. All Rock’d Up stands as a strong, musical persuader for social and political consciousness. “The answer is love…”
This article originally published in the March 26, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
