Branford Marsalis
3:15–4:45PM, Carhartt Amphitheatre Stage
World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis has always been a man of diverse musical interests, from jazz, blues and funk to classical. This one-time “young lion” has gone on to win three Grammy Awards while continuing to expand his skills as an instrumentalist, composer and head of Marsalis Music, the label he founded in 2002.
The New Orleans native is a member of the city’s (if not jazz’s) most distinguished musical families, which includes brothers Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason and patriarch/pianist Ellis. Branford gained initial acclaim as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and brother Wynton’s quintet in the early ‘80s, before forming his own ensemble. He has also performed and recorded with a “Who’s Who” of jazz giants, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins.
Known for his innovative spirit and broad musical scope, Branford leads his highly acclaimed jazz quartet while continuing to perform with his band Buckshot LeFonq, showcasing his unique musical approach to contemporary popular music. In recent years he also has become increasingly active as a featured soloist with such acclaimed orchestras as the Chicago, Detroit, Düsseldorf and North Carolina symphonies and the Boston Pops, in a growing repertoire that includes compositions by Copland, Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem and Vaughan Williams.
Branford has recorded nearly two dozen albums, traversing a variety of styles and receiving numerous accolades. Contemporary Jazz (2000) received a Grammy for “Best Jazz Instrumental Album,” and Eternal (2004) and Braggtown (2006) both received Grammy nominations. His latest release, Metamorphosen (2009), marks the tenth anniversary of the Marsalis’ Quartet, which features pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts.
Calderazzo and Revis are appearing with Branford at Detroit Jazz Fest, along with drummer Justin Faulkner.
