Pater familias

It's no secret that Ellis Marsalis has phenomenal genes. I've been a fan of his two older sons for years, but I'd never been to see their father by way of charting their prodigal talent. Ellis is also a lauded jazzman in his own right, a fine pianist as well as an educator, mentor, and gentleman.

For his show the other night at Herbst Theatre, Marsalis brought along a pair of youngsters on sax and drums (including fourth son Jason) and a subdued but skilled older wingman on upright bass. They opened with a hopping version of King Oliver's "Dr. Jazz" and a tip of the hat to the Duke with "Just Squeeze Me," then dusted off a beautiful set of classics: "A Train," "My Favorite Things," and a touching, quiet rendition of "Do You Know What It Means."

In the hands of a lesser or faded artist, this list might have fallen flat, or at least banal. But Marsalis plays with subtle deliberation and relaxed grace, anchoring his quartet and allowing them to float up to the next level. Jason has an explosive style that nearly overwhelmed the general vibe—I'd love to see what he could do with a group of more modernist innovators, à la Terence Blanchard's current band—but it was a pleasure to watch Ellis Marsalis watch his boy tear it up.

And Marsalis is a master of unflustered stage patter, delivered with all the casual ease of a seasoned performer. A song ended, and he leaned in just barely perceptibly to the mike. "I believe we'll take take a short break now. Then we'll be back...to swing some more."

It's inspiring to see a huge crowd of people leap to their feet and go crazy for a gentle old man who gazes back at them, unblinking, then shuffles offstage in no kind of hurry. It's not that he doesn't appreciate the compliment. He's just seen it all before, and he's ready to kick back for a minute before retaking his much deserved seat at the head of the table.

Tipping my hat.

he'll be back to swing some more