In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with acclaimed trombonist, producer, and educator Delfeayo Marsalis. A 2011 NEA Jazz Master and a member of New Orleans' legendary musical first family, Marsalis has earned a reputation as a "merchant of joy" and as a vital ambassador for the Crescent City's culture.

Delfeayo shares stories from his childhood in Kendall, Louisiana, where he shared a room with his father, Ellis, while his brothers, Branford and Wynton, shared another. He explains how his parents shaped his approach to the bandstand and his belief that music is not only what is on the page but also what you hear and experience. We also dive into the origins of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra (UJO)—a 14-piece ensemble founded in 2008 to preserve and advance the city’s street rhythms, swing tradition, and brass-band energy.

In this episode, we discuss:

The 10-Course Meal: Why Marsalis views his live performances as a diverse culinary journey, moving from high-energy funk to soulful ballads.

The Spirit of Mingus: The coincidental and "hip" origins of "Raid on the Mingus House Party," including its accidental connection to a famous superhero theme.

Sidewalk Sizzle: How a fan at a local gig provided the perfect title for a funky anthem that captures the heat of a New Orleans street.

Authentic Swing: Why the tradition of swinging is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of the modern big band sound.

Show Details & Tickets

Don't miss Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra performing "Uptown On Mardi Gras Day" at the SFJAZZ Center!

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Miner Auditorium, SFJAZZ Center

Tickets: Available at SFJAZZ.org

Official Website: www.dmarsalis.com

Uptown Jazz Orchestra: www.uptownjazzorchestra.com

What happens when you combine a London-born saxophonist, an Israeli guitarist, and a drummer who also plays bass? You get Trio Grande—a modern jazz supergroup rewriting the rules of the trio format.

In this episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steve Roby sits down with Will Vinson to explore the band's evolution from a Paul Motian-inspired vision to a bass-heavy (not bass-less!) powerhouse featuring the incomparable Nate Wood and guitarist Gilad Hekselman.

What You'll Hear:

The serendipitous origin story involving a late-night sit-in at NYC's Cornelius Street Cafe

How Nate Wood defies physics by playing drums and bass at the same time

The band's additive approach to arrangement and why they never chase a predetermined sound

Featured tracks: "Ministry of Love" from Urban Myth (2023) and "The Past", the first single from their upcoming album What's Left (June 2025)

A sneak peek at their intimate SF Jazz performances

All music presented in this episode was provided by the musician, with permission, and used for promotional purposes.

Show Details:

Trio Grande at SFJAZZ

Joe Henderson Lab

Wednesday, February 11

Two shows: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM

Get Tickets:

https://www.sfjazz.org/tickets/productions/25-26/trio-grande/

Listen to Trio Grande:

https://triogrande-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/trio-grande

Backstage Bay Area brings you behind-the-scenes conversations with the artists shaping the Bay Area's vibrant music scene.

Bay Area keyboardist, composer, and bandleader Greg Rahn joins host Steve Roby to discuss his fascinating musical journey and his new album Side Hustle—a deeply personal project that brings together jazz, blues, fusion, New Orleans piano traditions, Cuban rhythms, and rock.

Episode Highlights:

• The Chick Corea Moment: At age 17, Greg received life-changing advice from jazz legend Chick Corea, who encouraged him not to limit himself to one musical lane but to study with teachers who could teach him what he wanted to learn.
• 25 Years in Video Games: Greg spent over two decades composing and producing audio for the video game industry in Silicon Valley, honing his craft across diverse musical styles while raising a family.
• The Long Road to Side Hustle: Started in 2017, shelved in 2018, and finally completed in 2025, the album took an unexpected detour when Greg recorded his solo piano album Rent Party (2021) to gain a fresh perspective.
• Honoring Lost Friends: The passing of guitarist Drew Zingg and bassist Steve Evans gave Greg renewed urgency to complete the project, making their performances on the album even more precious.
• Musical Diversity: From Snarky Puppy-inspired compositions to Steely Dan harmonies, the album showcases Greg's eclectic influences and collaborative spirit.

Songs Featured (provided by the artist and used with permission):

• "Brand New Bad Idea" (featuring Drew Zingg on guitar and Steve Evans on bass)
• "Jam Night" (featuring Drew Zingg and Steve Evans)

Upcoming Show: Greg Rahn celebrates the release of Side Hustle with an all-star lineup at the Empress Theater in Vallejo on Friday, February 6th at 8:00 PM. The show features Frank Acosta (guitar), Darrell Landers (bass), Randy Hayes (drums), Chris Kane (blues guitar), Juan Escavido (percussion), and Luke Curley (tuba/trombone).

Get Tickets: https://empresstheatre.org/event/greg-rahn/

Learn More:

• Greg Rahn's website: https://gregrahn.net
• Backstage Bay Area: https://www.backstagebayarea.com

Photo credit: Phil Hawkins

Keeping Jazz Alive in the 415