For baby-boomers, Branford Marsalis is most remembered for his time as the jazz-influenced band leader of The Tonight Show. For fans of hip-hop, Marsalis is the co-writer of the song “Jazz Thing” that plays over the credits of Spike Lee’s movie Mo’ Better Blues. For fans of The Grateful Dead, Marsalis is the saxophonist who made many of the band's shows legendary in the early ‘90s.
It’s the last of these designations that has landed Marsalis at the Cervante's Masterpiece Ballroom, a venue owned by "Dead-Heads," for the kick-off of his 2007 tour. With most of his shows being at more highbrow venues, it promises to be a special evening. Currently performing with his low-key jazz Quartet and touring in support of his latest release Braggtown it’s a given that the crowd will be almost as interesting as the music itself.
The mingling of jazz fans and curious jam band's fans should be a fitting exercise in musical sociology. Jazz music has always been hailed as a form of music that can appeal to many cross sections of people; this strangely surreal night of music should prove a fitting trial of the theory.
Can jazz purists and curious “Dead-Heads” get along for a night of mutual, musical admiration? Find out for yourself if you are in the Denver area on February 8th. Visit the quixotes website for information and details.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I just saw him last night at Vault 350 in Long Beach, CA. Who decided Cervante's is the tour kick-off?
2 - Brandon
I based the article on the dates listed at branfordmarsalis.com
I would imagine small club date wern't liste as part of the full tour.
3 - Tom Johnson
Let's not forget the jazz fans, among whom Branford is considered very highly as an all-around incredible musician. That quartet of his is not exactly "low key," either - they burn it up pretty fierce. One of the most talented bands in jazz today.