Sounding off. . - The Best in Recorded Music - sound recording review

Ebony, Feb, 2003 by Lynn Norment

Finally a recording captures the latent and genius of the entire MARSALIS music-making clan. THE MARSALIS FAMILY: A JAZZ CELEBRATION (Marsalis Music) focuses on patriarch Ellis Marsalis (piano), accompanied by sons Branford (tenor and soprano sax), Wynton (trumpet), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums), along with bassist Roland Guerin.

Harry Connick Jr. makes a guest appearance. In settings that include trio, quartet and sextet, Ellis, composer and educator, demonstrates his mastery of the piano. Some of his best-known compositions are featured, including "Swinging at the Haven," "After," "Nostalgic Impressions" and "Twelve's It." The girls of 702 (Misha, Meelah and Irish) are back in the groove with a hot new album, STAR (Motown), and the melodic trio continues to show that they can sing and harmonize with the best of the girl groups, past and present. From the sassy "Let Your Hair Down," to "Star" (with Clipse), on throughout the recording, 702 jams.