Editor’s note: Colin McCuen, a senior at Napa High School, provided this piece on a visit by Wynton Marsalis to Napa last fall. Through a computer glitch, it got lost on its way to the Register, but it has finally arrived and we wanted to include it today with our coverage of his brother’s visit.

It is amazing to see such a young jazz artist (compared to cats like Ron Carter, Dave Brubeck and Chick Corea all well into their 60s and beyond) like Wynton Marsalis to be so seasoned and experienced in the jazz scene. With more than two decades of performing under his belt and playing with artists such as Jaco Pastorius and Herbie Hancock, Marsalis, 45, has already been deemed one of the top trumpet players today.

Playing in all kinds of famous venues all over the country, Marsalis came back to the Napa Valley for the third time since the Opera House has been opened.

 “The venue is intimate, the people, they know the music,” Marsalis said after the show during a heated chess game with fellow band member saxophonist Walter Blanding.

Light technician for the Opera House Bryn Owens said Marsalis likes the lights dimmed higher than normal so he can see the audience.

Aside from Marsalis, on stage was bassist Carlos Henriquez who experimented with Jaco-like harmonics on the upright bass. The tickler of the keys was Dan Nimmer, and drummer Ali Jackson, whose swingin’ in the pocket playing made it impossible to not tap your foot.

The first half opened up with a classic tune called “Cherokee.” After their ‘warm-up’ they continued with a calmer tune called “Just Friends (Our Love Is No More).”

They followed  with a song called “It Happens for a Reason.” Marsalis lightened up the repertoire with “On a Clear Day You Can See Forever.” Concluding the first half, Marsalis paid a small tribute playing a fast-paced tune by Clifford Brown. During this song Marsalis and Blanding stepped behind the rhythm section and let drummer Ali Jackson take the floor with an exhilarating solo that had jaws dropping. Marsalis and Jackson also faced off with a call and repeat to finish off the first set.

For the second half, Marsalis brought out vocalist Jennifer Sannen. They performed some new original compositions by the trumpet master. He even touched on economic issues giving a small ‘lecture’ and performing a song called “Supercapitalism” a song with many changes where Sannen tore down the house.

Marsalis’ performance of calm dynamic ballads and up-beat bop tunes all complemented styles of Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. The ensemble played a triumphant concert, and his group of young talented players kept the traditional yet timeless jazz legacy going.

I had a chance to talk with the whole band after the show to find out how they got their gig with the legendary jazz artist. All the players were in their 20s; Marsalis just hand picked them and took them on tour.

The vocalist Jennifer Sannen was introduced to Marsalis in an unconventional way: She had entered a competition with her high school and she thought she had bombed it. Then she got an unexpected call in her home in Miami; she was rudely awakened during her afternoon nap by Marsalis  who scolded her for being asleep in the middle of the day.

Sannen still didn’t know who was scolding her and asked “Who is this?”

He answered simply saying “This is Wynton Marsalis. It would be an honor to have you come on tour and sing with me.”

Now, flanked on stage by some of the greatest jazz musicians today, Sannen, 20, has gotten the rare and amazing opportunity.

Seeing the passion Marsalis has onstage at the Opera House, the great audience and the intimate setting the Opera House has to offer, you can expect Marsalis to come back to the Napa Valley very soon.