In memory of Ellis Marsalis

I was sorry to learn of Ellis Marsalis's passing due to coronavirus complications yesterday.  He was the elder statesman of the musical Marsalis family, and in his honor, I reflect on five of my favorite tracks of his:

• Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? (Some listeners might argue that any version of this is incomplete without vocals, but I disagree.  This elegant piano rendition honors the melody as well or better than any sung rendition I've heard.  This is one of many highlights from Marsalis's "Heart Of Gold" CD, which, in my opinion, is his best recording.)
• El-Ray Blues (One of the slickest numbers by any Marsalis; piano and bass are in fine form here.  The pairs of chords Marsalis plays in the melody give the tune a sly propulsion.)
• Friendships (This contemplative piano instrumental segues well with Marsalis's version of "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most.")
• Pebble Beach (Marsalis stays true to the breezy feel of Vince Guaraldi's original.) 
• Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most (This is a thoughtful, contemplative piano instrumental take on a frequently covered tune, and it's the Ellis Marsalis track to which I've listened most.  It's one of the few tunes that scored the radio hat trick for me; I was able to bring it in from home and play it on KCOU (during the "Jazz Odyssey" show I hosted), KNJZ (during "Lights Out, St. Louis"), and WEW, where it fit in with the general format's nostalgic vibe.)