04/03/2020
I just heard the news that Ellis Marsalis passed away yesterday from the effects of the Corona virus. I find it particularly ironic and heartbreaking to lose such a great man and music legend on the same day, albeit 24 years later as my own father did, who passed away on April 1st, 1996.
Most of you wouldn’t know, but a year after Hurricane Katrina, I went to New Orleans to celebrate the survival of the City of New Orleans and my great friend and renowned trumpet player, Marlon Jordan by recording some sessions featuring Marlon and many jazz greats from NOLA. I had the honor of having Ellis Marsalis perform on nearly all of the tracks we cut, and having Delfeayo Marsalis produce the sessions we recorded over several days at the Sr. Marsalis’s home club, Snug Harbor on Frenchman’s Street in the French Quarter. We recorded other sessions at the Blue Nile and Cafe LaZiza over several days. Seen here are several notable musicians including James Andrews, Glen David Andrews, cousin Troy(Trombone Shorty)Andrews, Kermit Ruffins, and other jazz men who rolled through at times, Including the Mayor of Frenchman’s street, the late, Lionel Batiste were there during the sessions.
It had been a really tough year for everyone since Katrina the previous August, but Stephanie Jordan and my number ONE brother, Karl Laws(Quintin “Q”) were by my side steadying me throughout the week. We got some great material featuring Marlon and his crew as a result. Here are some pictures of Mr. Ellis Marsalis, and a number of the participants from that time for your review, and one or two of my late father, Gilbert M. Thomason also.
R.I.P. Ellis Marsalis. Please introduce yourself and give my Pop a hug for me. Oh yeah! 🙏🏻❤️
