After playing in his brother Wynton Marsalis' shadow for the past few years, Branford Marsalis has stepped into the limelight with a new album titled "Buckshot LeFonque."
The title of the album is derived from a pseudonym used by alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderly when he performed on pop and R&B records in the 1950s. Marsalis' eclectic blend of rock, hip-hop, jazz, reggae and world music is a refreshing look at genres other than jazz standards, ballads and blues pieces.
Marsalis follows the current trend of several artists like trumpeter Donald Byrd and Tribe Called Quest in his "interdisciplinary" approach to "Buckshot LeFonque." Marsalis is the chief producer, writer, arranger, and saxophone soloist on the album along with celebrated hip-hop producer/artist DJ Premier.
The list, however, does not end there. Along with samples of James Brown and an introduction to a song by Jay Leno, Maya Angelou reads her classic poem "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" with Branford Marsalis and Roy Hargrove (trumpet) setting the dramatic musical backdrop. Performances by the late blues master Albert Collins (his final recorded performance), pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Bob Hurst and drummer Jeff Watts are also highlighted many of the songs on this CD.
Marsalis certainly brings a distinct musical maturity into "Buckshot LeFonque." He is an accomplished tenor and soprano saxophonist who has performed with artists as different as The Grateful Dead and Sting. Along with a subtle, almost impressionistic style he brings to jazz, he has recorded classical albums as well.
He won a Grammy award in 1993 for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance for his blues album "I Heard You Twice The First Time," and his 1993 trio recording "Bloomington" was hailed as a significant contemporary jazz recording. "Buckshot LeFonque," however, is his first serious venture into the hip-hop world.
Shy in demeanor, Marsalis is hardly coy while performing. Even after a distinguished contribution to modern jazz, Branford is modest about his achievements. He has always preferred to stay in the background and let his work speak for itself. His technique and style of playing, however, remain unique and his diverse repertoire is a testament to his creativity and imagination.
Branford Marsalis will bring the "Buckshot LeFonque" project to Webster Hall on March 7. Tickets for the performance are available at the Collis information desk for $15.
