Irvin Mayfield Love Songs, Ballads And Standards CD

A case study in how disparate generations can be united by a love of music, LOVE SONGS, BALLADS AND STANDARDS finds young-lion trumpeter Irvin Mayfield joining forces with elder-statesman pianist Ellis Marsalis. New Orleans natives both, Mayfield and Marsalis honor their city and the jazz tradition on this collection of standbys ("In a Sentimental Mood," "Round Midnight") and contemporary pop (Norah Jones's "Don't Know Why"). Mayfield lost his father in Hurricane Katrina (along with the original tapes for this album), and a sense of loss and mournfulness informs the more delicate passages. Marsalis's tasteful piano is the perfect complement to Mayfield's mellow, plaintive trumpet, and together they deliver an elegant, deeply felt, and enjoyable set.

Liner Note Author: Irvin Mayfield.

Recording information: New Orleans Museum Of Art (06/2004-06/2007); Orpheum Theater (06/2004-06/2007); Piety Street Studios (06/2004-06/2007).

Photographer: Greg Miles.

Personnel: Irvin Mayfield (trumpet); Ellis Marsalis (piano); Neal Caine (bass instrument, bass guitar); Jaz Sawyer (drums, drum); Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Audio Mixer: Steve Reynolds.

Down Beat (p.76) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "Marsalis operates as a discreet accompanist, supporting Mayfield and offering melodic direction. His brief solo on the trio version of 'Yesterday' is lovely and his outings on 'Mo' Betta Blues' and ''Round Midnight' are full of rhythmic, blues-rooted ‚lan."
JazzTimes (p.108) - "Most of the highlights...find Mayfield and Marsalis soulfully interpreting vintage pop and jazz favorites, aided by bassist Neal Caine and drummer Jaz Sawyer's hand-in-glove support."