Branford Marsalis
Branford Marsalis (born August 26, 1960) is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.
Early life
Marsalis was born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, the son of Dolores (née Ferdinand), a jazz singer and substitute teacher, and Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr., a pianist and music professor. His brothers Jason Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis III, and Delfeayo Marsalis, and father Ellis are also jazz musicians.
Career
Musical beginnings: 1980–85
In the summer of 1980, while still a Berklee College of Music student, Marsalis toured Europe playing alto and baritone saxophone in a large ensemble led by drummer Art Blakey. Other big band experiences with Lionel Hampton and Clark Terry followed over the next year, and by the end of 1981 Marsalis, on alto saxophone, had joined his brother Wynton in Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. Other performances with his brother, including a 1981 Japanese tour with Herbie Hancock, led to the formation of his brother Wynton’s first quintet, where Marsalis shifted his emphasis to soprano and tenor saxophones. He continued to work with Wynton until 1985, a period that also saw the release of his own first recording, Scenes in the City, as well as guest appearances with other artists including Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
Podcasts:
Branford Marsalis
ALBUMS
- Songs of Mirth and Melancholy released: 2011
- American Spectrum released: 2009
- The Steep Anthology released: 2004
- Creation released: 2001
- Contemporary Jazz released: 2000
- Loved Ones released: 1996
- I Heard You Twice the First Time: Radio Edits released: 1992
- I Heard You Twice the First Time released: 1992
- Trio Jeepy released: 1989
- Random Abstract released: 1988
- Renaissance released: 1987
- Romances for Saxophone released: 1986
- Royal Garden Blues released: 1986
- Scenes in the City released: 1984
Creation
Released 2001- Gymnopédie No. 3 (arr. Ronnie Bauch)
- Children's Corner, L. 113 No. 5: The Little Shepherd (arr. Ronnie Bauch)
- Pavane pour une infante défunte (arr. Ronnie Bauch)
- La Création du monde, Op. 81
- Requiem, Op. 48: Pie Jesu (arr. Ronnie Bauch)
- Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67 No. 1: Soracaba (pour Madame Regis de Oliveira)
- Scaramouche, Op. 165c: I. Vif
- Scaramouche, Op. 165c: II. Modéré
- Scaramouche, Op. 165c: III. Brazileira
- Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67 No. 7: Corcovado (pour Madame Henri Hoppenot)
- Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67 No. 9: Sumaré (pour Henri Hoppenot)
- Concertino da camera: I. Allegro con moto
- Concertino da camera: II. Larghetto
- Concertino da camera: III. Animato molto
- Saudades do Brasil, Op. 67 No. 11: Laranjeiras (pour Audrey Parr)
- Children's Corner, L. 113 No. 6: Golliwog's Cake-walk (arr. Ronnie Bauch)
Romances for Saxophone
Released 1986- Debussy: L'Isle Joyeuse
- Fauré: Pavane
- Debussy: Arabesque No. 1
- Rachmaninoff: Vocalise
- Stravinsky: Pastorale
- Colombier: Emmanuel
- Valla-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
- Satie: Gymnopedie No. 3
- Ravel: Prelude
- Ravel: Piece En Forme De Habanera
- Fauré: Sicilienne
- Stravinsky: Serenata
- Mussorgsky: The Old Castle
