The Marsalis Family originated as a one-time ensemble formed specifically for a Columbia studio session in 1982. Pianist Ellis Marsalis joined forces with his sons Wynton on trumpet and Branford on tenor saxophone—both rising stars at the time—while younger brothers Delfeayo and Jason remained too young to take part. Accompanied by bassist Charles Fambrough and drummer James Black, the group laid down five selections that occupied one side of the album Fathers and Sons; the remaining tracks showcased the father-and-son saxophone duo of Von and Chico Freeman. Although Ellis, Wynton, and Branford had previously recorded together and would do so again, this occasion marked their sole appearance under the Marsalis Family name. Two decades later the family reconvened for the 2003 live release The Marsalis Family: A Celebration, captured during a 2001 concert honoring Ellis’s retirement from his teaching post at New Orleans University. Seven years afterward they issued another concert recording, the benefit album Music Redeems, whose proceeds supported The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music within the New Orleans Habitat Musicians’ Village.
