Branford was born in the culturally rich environment of New Orleans as the eldest son of the pianist Ellis Marsalis. The eldest of the Marsalis brothers did not miss out on his musical genes, just like his younger siblings Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason. The young Branford was enchanted by the sound of the saxophone. His fascination with jazz grew hand in hand with his playing skills. He won his jazz spurs alongside the legendary trumpeter Clark Terry and then with the cult Jazz Messengers of Art Blakey.
In the mid-80s Branford formed his own quartet. Despite his other countless jazz and classical projects this remains Branford’s primary platform for the realisation of his own original musical ideas. This exemplary “working band” excels in its unusually consistent line-up, with there being only three changes in the personnel in more than thirty years. The reward for this is an absolute connection and almost telepathic communication between the individual members. The concerts of the Branford Marsalis Quartet are full of expressive melodies in provocative forms, and their rhythmic pressure will take you like a tsunami. They are simply like a book full of fantastic musical tales. Whichever chapter they choose to leaf through in Brno it will be an unforgettable musical experience.
