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Branford Marsalis

Branford Marsalis
BMarsalis@2011WYPS2.jpg
Marsalis performing in 2011
Background information
Born (1960-08-26) August 26, 1960 (age 56)
Origin Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, United States
Genres Jazz, post-bop, classical
Instruments Tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone
Years active 1980–present
Labels Marsalis Music
Columbia/SME Records
Associated acts Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Joey Calderazzo, Eric Revis, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kenny Kirkland, DJ Premier, Sting, The Tonight Show Band, Kevin Eubanks, Anna Maria Jopek, Harry Connick, Jr., Matt Finders, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, Guru (rapper), Buckshot LeFonque, Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band
Website www.branfordmarsalis.com
www.marsalismusic.com

Branford Marsalis (born August 26, 1960) is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.

Marsalis was born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, the son of Dolores (née Ferdinand), a jazz singer and substitute teacher, and Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr., a pianist and music professor. His brothers Jason Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis III, and Delfeayo Marsalis, and father Ellis are also jazz musicians.

In mid-1980, while still a Berklee College of Music student, Marsalis toured Europe playing alto and baritone saxophone in a large ensemble led by drummer Art Blakey. Other big band experiences with Lionel Hampton and Clark Terry followed over the next year, and by the end of 1981 Marsalis, on alto saxophone, had joined his brother Wynton in Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Other performances with his brother, including a 1981 Japanese tour with Herbie Hancock, led to the formation of his brother Wynton's first quintet, where Marsalis shifted his emphasis to soprano and tenor saxophones. He continued to work with Wynton until 1985, a period that also saw the release of his own first recording, Scenes in the City, as well as guest appearances with other artists including Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie


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