Kalamazoo

Recorded two years ago in front of an eager audience at Western Michigan University in—where else?—Kalamazoo, the album features trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis accompanied by his then 81-year-old pianist father, Ellis, plus Reginald Veal (bass) and Ralph Peterson (drums). Like his earlier release—2014’s The Last Southern Gentlemen, an elegant affair that featured Marsalis and his father with a different rhythm section—the emphasis is on standards. It opens with a real old-timey number, a lengthy, lazy rendition of 1923’s “Tin Roof Blues” with great solos by both Marsalises and bassist Veal. A peppy version of “Autumn Leaves,” with some bass and drum interplay, and a slow, heartfelt “My Funny Valentine” both give the Marsalises a chance to show what they can do—which is plenty! After a raucous, wah-wah muted version of “Sesame Street Theme,” things slow down for a trio version of “If I Were a Bell” that features the still remarkable Ellis. Delfeayo’s copious liner notes are an added bonus to this marvelous album.