The last time I saw Ellis & Jason Marsalis was about fifteen years ago. Ellis and I were co-leaders of a Cub Scout den, of which Jason and my two sons were members. I enjoyed being in Ellis’ company because I always found him to be, like most New Orleanians, sarcastic and cynical—qualities he has imparted in varying degrees to his renowned sons.

Today, Ellis chairs the Department of Jazz Studies at the University of New Orleans, as well as performing and recording. His lat...