Branford Marsalis Quartet

[sal]

Has anyone heard this yet? I liked Branford's late 80's/early 90's offerings with the trio and quartet, but I haven't really enjoyed any of his more recent releases, particularly these newer albums that all seem to be themed. This new one seems like it might just be a return to good ol' fashioned saxophone quartet jazz. I think his band is very solid, particularly the connection between Branford and Tain.

[CJ Shearn]

today's a beautiful day to die!!!!!!!!!

[Lazaro Vega]

I'm digging the rave ups on this new one: "Jack Baker" and "Black Elk Speaks." (Jack Baker, the actor?). Of the more mellow, rubato soprano balladisms, not so much, though the tune dedicated to their road manager is cool. Having heard Bran play Henry Purcell's "O, Solitude" (on tenor) live, quoting "Gloomy Sunday," alluding to his version on "Eternal," it's clear his classical chops are up. Musically the recording is documenting how well the group plays as a group, that evolution. It hit me on initial casual listening how this band is either up or down, there's not much mid-tempo swing or bounce going on -- it's rubato or full on head long post Coltrane. Haven't spent enough time with it to say if that's accurate, but a first impression. By the way A.B. Spellman's notes, and his notes for Delfayo's new one featuring Elvin Jones, are very, very good. He sticks to the music at hand and enlightens it.

[HWright]

I caught Branford's current group at Birchmere in Alexandria, VA last night. Great show. They played selections from the new album (Hope, Fate, Blakzilla), a few older numbers (Bullworth?), Tain's "Vodville" and Wynton's "Free to Be" (from "The Magic Hour") as an encore. It was great to see Tain again (I saw him with his own group at Blues Alley). He was wearing a "Chocolate City" by Parliament t-shirt.

Branford Marsalis - Saxophones

Joey Calderazzo - Piano

Eric Revis - Bass

Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums

Edited September 15, 2006 by HWright

[Son-of-a-Weizen]

I caught Branford's current group at Birchmere in Alexandria, VA last night. Great show. They played selections from the new album (Hope, Fate, Blakzilla), a few older numbers (Bullworth?), Tain's "Vodville" and Wynton's "Free to Be" (from "The Magic Hour") as an encore. It was great to see Tain again (I saw him with his own group at Blues Alley). He was wearing a "Chocolate City" by Parliament t-shirt.

Branford Marsalis - Saxophones

Joey Calderazzo - Piano

Eric Revis - Bass

Jeff "Tain" Watts - Drums

I was there as well (back by the control booth) ......it was a of a show. That opening number was something else, eh? Revis was on fire. The only thing that sucked is that I missed the encore 'cause I had to whip home and get the kids ready for bed.

That's a weird venue for jazz with those long tables w/checkered tablecloths and all.....but it was well worth it. I can't believe that Peter Frampton's gonna be there next week (thought he'd vanished ages ago) -- and only $75 a ticket!

Edited September 15, 2006 by Son-of-a-Weizen

[Lazaro Vega]

Clem, you mean Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker?

Edited September 17, 2006 by Lazaro Vega

[HWright]

Yes, a strange venue for a jazz concert. I saw Ian Gillan from Deep Purple there last month and gather that is more typical programming.

[CJ Shearn]

they didn't play "Black Elk Speaks" huh? that's a shame. I wonder if the yelling goes on live too. Well, I consider "Braggtown" to be a live record, as everyone is in the same room in a concert hall, just no audience obviously.