Branford Marsalis Quartet
Blues & Jazz
19th March 2010
Information
BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET SPECIAL GUEST LEIGH BARKER
Branford Marsalis, one of jazz's most heralded saxophonists, brings his world-renowned quartet to Australia this March to perform four special shows.
The Branford Marsalis Quartet will take the stage for thrilling one-off performances in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
Tickets go on sale Thursday December 10, except for Sydney which goes on sale Wednesday December 16.
Earlier this year Branford Marsalis Quartet released their most recent studio effort, Metamorphosen. The album marks the tenth anniversary of the quartet, with tracks written by each band member and featuring Marsalis on tenor, soprano and alto saxophones.
Whilst 49-year-old Marsalis takes centre stage, he will stand alongside long-time fellow band-members bassist Eric Revis and pianist Joey Calderazzo. Squaring off the quartet will be recent recruit Justin Faulkner on drums, replacing quartet original Jeff ‘Tain' Watts.
"For much of the set the music was almost compulsively loud, fast, aggressive, elaborate, generous and interactive. In other words, the show was extremely good," The New York Times said of a May show at The Jazz Standard.
Despite Faulkner's youth, the 18-year-old Philadelphia high school senior's ability to fill Watt's large shoes in concert does not disappoint:
"To say Faulkner acquitted himself would be a ridiculous understatement...[he] put on one of the most electrifying, dazzling technical displays you're ever going to see in a jazz ensemble," raved the The Boston Globe.
Marsalis grew up in New Orleans amongst a strong musical family, planning to be a history teacher and play music on the weekends. Plans changed - he gained acclaim playing with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and brother Wynton's quintet before stepping out to form his own ensemble.
Marsalis has performed and recorded with a multitude of jazz giants including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins.
His extraordinary career extends over 25 albums, recordings credits too numerous to list and accolades including three Grammy Awards, the most recent in 2000 for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Individual or Group, for the quartet's Contemporary Jazz.
Australian Leigh Barker joins the tour for all shows. Bassist, composer and bandleader, Melbourne-based Barker studied for a short time in the US where he spent time Eric Revis and Marsalis. Barker performs regularly with Tom Vincent Band, Leigh Barker Quartet and his latest project, The Shieks, and has two CD releases Off To Moruya and Lynnville.
Don't miss on this sensational, captivating night of jazz at it's very best.
Also appearing as part of the Sydney Opera House's Full Swing programme: SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE CONCERT HALL FRIDAY MARCH 19*
TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16*
Pre-sales start 2pm Tuesday December 8
Book through: Opera House box office 02 9250 7777 or Ticketmaster 136 100
Venue
Sydney Opera House @ Macquarie St, Sydney NSW, 2000, Australia
Price
Bookings
(02)9250 7777 or 136 100