January 10, 2007

Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet was Superb at the Dakota
By Mario Carrington, Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder

The first show last night of a two night engagement by the Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet at The Dakota was superb and is a must see show for your January Jazz Jones. Marsalis anchored the group on trombone and his band mates were Jeff Fajardo on drums, David Pulphis on bass, Mark Shim on saxophone, Anthony Wonsley on piano and Rick Gordon on percussion.

There were five compositions played during the 75 minute set: "Autumn Leaves," "Brer' Rabbit," "The Lone Warrior," "If Only You Knew How Glad I am I Finally Got Rid Of You" and a rousing finale of "It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing," earning the band a well deserved standing ovation at the end of the show.

Marsalis's playing during the set was expansive, crisp, crystal clear, layered, multi-textured and elegantly phrased. He introduced, provided background and supplied context for each of the compositions played in a manner which fully engaged the audience. Shim on tenor and soprano saxophones also deserves special mention for scintillating riffs.

The set opened with a mellifluous arrangement of the timeless classic "Autumn Leaves" which gave the evening an auspicious beginning. "Brer' Rabbit," a solid up tempo number was next highlighted by trombone, sax, piano and bass solos. A key element of Marsalis's stage production became apparent during this number. Marsalis & Shim would retreat from center stage after they played their choruses and allow expert trio efforts of the piano, bass & drums to take over. The effect was seeing two excellent bands for the price of one. These collaborative trio improvisations also enabled the star turns of Wonsley on piano to shine brightly.

" The Lone Warrior" was a tribute to Elvin Jones, "If Only You Knew How Glad I am I Finally Got Rid Of You" was a beautiful ballad that could serve as the musical definition of pensive (as well as make you go running out the door after that significant other), followed by "It Don't Mean A Thing" with Marsalis and Shim trading furious licks and Gordon offering a spirited washboard solo.

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