August 26, 1960

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Saxophonist and bandleader Branford Marsalis was born on August 26, 1960 in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

Coming from a highly musical family, he is the brother of trumpeter Wynton, drummer Jason, and trombonist and producer Delfeayo.

While still a student at Berklee College of Music, Branford toured Europe with the famed hard bop drummer Art Blakey. He soon would perform with Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, and his brother Wynton.

The two brothers left Blakey and formed a quintet inspiring Branford to shift his focus to playing soprano and tenor and in 1984 would release his first solo album, “Scenes in the City.”

Leaving his brother’s group in 1985, Branford Marsalis worked for a long period with Sting and led the “Tonight Show Band” from 1992 to 1995.

Since 1996 the saxophonist’s main focus has been his own quartet, placing greater emphasis on classical music and education.

His career is not limited to jazz; he has worked with the Grateful Dead, Sting, and countless symphony orchestras.

Branford Marsalis is featured with his quartet at Jazz sous les Pommiers in 2009.

Personnel:

Branford Marsalis, soprano sax
Joey Calderazzo, piano
Eric Revis, bass
Justin Faulkner, drums

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