Branford Marsalis: The Steep Anthology (2004)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: March 19, 2004

A fierce fighter as well as a gentle balladeer, Branford Marsalis makes every note count. He gets the meaning across naturally without unneeded repetition and without unnecessary embellishment. A true entertainer and a gifted artist, he communicates with his audience easily. Thus, Columbia had ample worthwhile examples to choose from for this anthology.

With his father at the piano, the saxophonist interprets “Maria” with passion and understanding. His control of the soprano instrument ranks right up there. Whether following in Sidney Bechet’s footsteps or emulating an operatic voice, Marsalis makes the instrument work as an extension of his physical presence. Monk provides inspiration for Marsalis’ tenor as he soars through “Evidence” with Kenny Kirkland at the piano, Robert Hurst on bass, and Jeff Watts on drums. The quartet pours it on. From a live session at the Village Vanguard, this piece wears emotion on its shirtsleeves. Marsalis is in his groove.

Good training helps. The Marsalis background is unique. But it’s Branford’s heart that wins out on these examples from his jazz career. His original “Spartacus” soars on a suite-like journey through distant lands with a cool outlook. His “No Backstage Pass,” from his debut album, takes the tenor on a similar trip. This one, without piano, draws its inspiration from Bird and Diz and Trane. Ron Carter walks the bass, as Marvin “Smitty” Smith rides the cymbals and snare. Marsalis puts what he learned on the bandstand with Art Blakey to good use.

With Wynton on trumpet, Branford converses through his original “Cain & Abel” in an up-tempo, New Orleans swing setting. Hurst and Watts contribute Crescent City shimmers, as the two Marsalis brothers work out their natural experience comfortably. Thinking alike, they provide a textbook solution.

At times moody and dark, at times traditional and light, Marsalis provides us with an eclectic program that buoys our spirits.

Track Listing: Doctone; Maria; Royal Garden Blues; Evidence; Cain & Abel; Spartacus; No Backstage Pass; Sidney in Da Haus; The Dark Keys; Three Little Words.

Personnel: Branford Marsalis- soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Wynton Marsalis- trumpet; David Sagher- trombone; Wessel Anderson- alto saxophone; Ellis Marsalis, Larry Willis, Kenny Kirkland- piano; Ron Carter, Eric Revis, Robert Hurst, Reginald Veal, Milt Hinton- bass; Al Foster, Jeff

Record Label: Columbia Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream

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Date	Venue	Tickets
Jun01	Longwood Gardens' Wine and Jazz Festival Kennett Square, PA
Jun02	Flynn Center for The Performing Arts Burlington, VT
Jun02	Flynn Center for The Performing Arts Burlington, VT	buy
Jun15	Romare Bearden Park Charlotte, NC
Aug18	Shalin Liu Performance Center Rockport, MA
Sep01	Labor Day Jazz Weekend @ Grand Hotel Mackinac Island, MI
Sep20	Boettcher Concert Hall Denver, CO
Sep21	Boettcher Concert Hall Denver, CO
Sep22	Boettcher Concert Hall Denver, CO
Oct11	Detroit Orchestra Hall Detroit, MI
Jan31	Chicago Symphony Center Chicago, IL