Marsalis, Branford
Rounder, 2006, CD
Instrument: SAXOPHONE
Issue: 12.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 3
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: Branford takes the stage with his talented quartet and they venture into free bop space. It doesn’t take long for drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts to assert himself with a rousing solo as accompaniment on the opener “Jack Baker”. Joey Calderazzo (p) is next as the centerpiece on “Hope” where they reduce the pace and show us a penchant for ballads. Eric Revis is the bassist and maintains a steady grasp on the lower registers. Marsalis asserts himself throughout but notably on “Black Elk Speaks”, the powerful closer. The contrasts in pace and feel are great owing to an interesting set that is creative, new and daring.
Publicist: D. L. Media