Jazz Articles about Branford Marsalis

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Branford Marsalis Quartet: Four MFs Playin' Tunes

by Dan Bilawsky
August 1, 2012

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has always exhibited a straight-to-the-point attitude in his deeds and musical actions, so the title for his latest quartet date shouldn't come as a great shock. His choice of words matter-of-factly proclaims that this music isn't about highbrow ideals, umbrella themes or hyper-intellectual constructs; this is about four musicians making music and serving the songs. Jazz aficionados know that his albums are almost always a sure bet for brilliance, but fans of this highly ...

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Branford Marsalis Quartet: Four MFs Playin' Tunes

by Mark F. Turner
July 31, 2012

The departure of the Branford Marsalis quartet's longtime drummer, Jeff “Tain" Watts, left a hole that would not easily be filled and subsequently sparked the excellent 2011 duo release Songs of Mirth and Melancholy (Marsalis Music) featuring Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo. But that percussive void has been filled with a transfusion of new blood from the sizzling drums of Justin Faulkner who joined the band in 2009 aged 18. With the attention grabbing title and a fresh outlook, the ...

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Branford Marsalis / Joey Calderazzo: Songs of Mirth and Melancholy

by Mark F. Turner
May 30, 2011

The Swedish proverb “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow," is one that perfectly exemplifies Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, from saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo. Their bond has solidified over time, since Calderazzo took over the piano chair from the late Kenny Kirkland in Marsalis' ensemble in 1998. While Kirkland's talent can never be replaced, Calderazzo has proven his own deep abilities as a vital member of the band--and in his own ...

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Branford Marsalis / Terence Blanchard Quintet: Jazz at Lincoln Center, October 1, 2010

by Keith Henry Brown
October 15, 2010

Branford Marsalis QuartetTerence Blanchard QuintetJazz at Lincoln CenterOctober 1, 2010 Early in their set, after striding on stage in stylish suits, The Branford Marsalis Quartet--pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner--began peeling off their shirt jackets. The stage lights must have been especially too much for Faulkner, who, within only a few moments of the first tune, was drenched in sweat. Marsalis smiled and seemed to playfully admonish him for removing ...

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Branford Marsalis Quartet: Metamorphosen

by Jeff Stockton
May 13, 2009

Branford Marsalis has always had contrarian tendencies. From joining Sting's band to quitting The Tonight Show, he's followed his own path, even when his motivations have moved him away from conventional jazz forms. Today, being the artistic director of his own record label (at a time when record labels are floundering) and playing with the same band mates for the last decade (at a time when keeping anything together for 10 years seems unlikely) simply appear to be the next ...

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Branford Marsalis Demonstrates Leadership in Richmond

by Dean Christesen
April 21, 2008

Branford Marsalis Quartet Building Leaders Symposium at St. Christopher's School Richmond, VA April 12, 1008

With legendary musicians right in front of their eyes, a field house filled with people of all ages and all musical backgrounds watched as Branford Marsalis and his quartet donned the stage. For some, this was the first jazz they had ever heard. For others, this was a rare event not to be missed. The event was a leadership ...

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Branford Marsalis Quartet: Braggtown

by Ken Dryden
October 19, 2006

On his fourth release for his own Marsalis Music label, Branford Marsalis shows why his quartet is among the best small groups currently active. With pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Jeff “Tain Watts joining him once more, Marsalis encouraged his musicians to write for the band, resulting in a wide range of fresh material for the session. The leader's “Jack Baker is a swirling theme built from a repeated riff, while Calderazzo's poignant ballad ...