NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE & MUSIC - New Orleans Musicians

New Orleans Musicians: Delfeayo Marsalis

Another member of the first family of jazz, Delfeayo found his niche playing trombone.

Early in your career you played in the bands of Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. Who was the most fun to play with?
The Fat's gig was fun because that was mostly blues. The musicians were all New Orleans guys and they looked after me.

Who did you learn the most from?
Elvin Jones. Elvin has a different approach. He's like my dad. He puts you in a situation that allows you to develop. I teach that way now. You've just released a solo album, Fortune, what can we expect? I wrote the songs for it. The style is '60s Etta James meets '70s Willie Nelson.

How did you choose the trombone?
The foolishness of youth. I'm a big fan of the underdog. When I saw that instrument in school, I thought that was something unique. I thought it would just be my thing.

Jazz is popular music in New Orleans. Does that make it easier to get started here?
Well, I did a concert around Jazz Fest one year. When I got there, Jeremy Davenport was singing. We got on and played way out there Ornette Coleman music for 40 minutes. Then Kermit Ruffins came on and played "When It's Sleepytime Down South." Nowhere else do you get that range of jazz.

Do you prefer playing with New Orleans musicians?
With someone from New Orleans you have a connection. Our music, no matter how far out it is, is all about the groove.