Branford Marsalis

Requiem
$6.99
You might expect a recording titled "Requiem" to be restrained and quiet. This album burns! It was titled "Requiem" in the wake of the tragic drub-related demise of the Branford Marsalis Quartet's pianist, Kenny Kirkland, whose death occurred before the Quartet could go back and polish up the basic tracks that had originally been laid down. Marsalis decided to release the recording based on the original tapes, and the result is a veritable powerhouse of a recording, with Marsalis and Kirkland augmented by Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums and Eric Revis on bass.

A quotation from pianist Keith Jarrett is featured prominently in the liner notes, and Jarrett's influence also appears in the music: the Paul Motian tune, "Trieste," which is the only composition not by Marsalis on this CD, was originally recorded as a ballad by Jarrett's quartet (it gets a boost of energy on this CD!), and the Marsalis tune "Lykief" (read: "Like Keith") is an open acknowledgement of Jarrett's musical influence. "Bullworth" starts with a basic drum rhythm and builds upon it for all it's worth. The closing cut, "16th St. Baptist Church," builds upon the foundation of a New Orleans second-line drum beat. There is not a weak cut on this whole CD--Requiem is an outstandingly virtuosic recording, a CD that all jazz lovers really ought to hear.

Romances for Saxophone
$7.99
Evocative, haunting, and so expressive, this CD showcases the technical skill of Branford Marsalis. His playing seems effortless as he somehow coaxes the soprano saxophone into making the kind of sounds we usually associate with the human voice. This isn't jazz--so no improvisation here--but such expression, such passion! This CD is wonderful as a background for creative work.

Eternal
$17.98
Long familiar with Branford, I was expecting this to be good, but I had no idea how utterly beautiful this music would be. It takes you somewhere else so effortlessly. I keep searching for words and everything comes up short. This music has become a part of me, expresses things I can't. This is amazing. Thank you, Branford.

Coltrane's A Love Supreme
$19.98
is this better then the real Coltrane?
Close your eyes and experience that Coltrane is back and how!