Branford Marsalis
b. 26 August 1960, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA. With their father, Ellis Marsalis, a bop pianist, composer and teacher, it is not surprising that his sons Branford, Delfeayo and Wynton Marsalis all took up music in childhood. Branford Marsalis's first instrument was the alto saxophone, which he played during his formative years and while studying at Berklee College Of Music. In 1981, he played in Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and the following year began a spell with a small band led by Wynton. During this period Marsalis switched instruments, taking up both soprano and tenor saxophones. He also played on record dates with leading jazzmen such as Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. After three years in his brother's band, he began a period of musical searching. Like many young musicians of his era, Marsalis often played in jazz-rock bands, including that led by Sting. He also formed his own small group with which he toured and recorded. By the late '80s he had established a reputation as a leading post-bop jazz saxophonist, but also enjoyed status in fusion and even classical circles ( ROMANCES FOR SAXOPHONE). Like most jazzmen, Marsalis drew early inspiration from the work of other musicians, amongst them John Coltrane, Ben Webster, Wayne Shorter, Ornette Coleman and especially Sonny Rollins. In some of his recordings these influences have surfaced, leading to criticisms that he has failed to build a personal style. Closer attention reveals that these stylistic acknowledgments are merely that and not an integral part of his musical make-up. His 1993 outing with I HEARD YOU TWICE THE FIRST TIME showed a strong leaning towards the blues, both John Lee Hooker and B. B. King are featured in addition to his brother. Perhaps of more significance to Marsalis's development as a musician is the fact that his career appears fated to be constantly compared to and contrasted with that of his virtuoso brother Wynton. If this should result in his long-term overshadowing it will be, at least, unfortunate, because by the early '90s Branford Marsalis had proved himself to be an inventive soloist with considerable warmth. His best work contains many moments of powerful emotional commitment.