Branford Marsalis & family receive top jazz honors

michelle — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 20:31:33 +0000

America’s jazziest family–Ellis Marsalis Jr. and his four sons–were presented with top honors at the 2011 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Awards Ceremony.

The Jazz Masters award is the highest honor that a jazz musician can achieve from the NEA, and this marks the first time since the ceremony’s creation in 1982 that the award has been given to a group.

The family consists of Ellis (piano) and his sons Branford (saxophone), Wynton (trumpet), Delfeayo (trombone) and Jason (drums). Other guests who were presented with the 2011 Jazz Masters Award include Hubert Laws, David Liebman, Johnny Mandel and Orrin Keepnews.

Check back soon for more news on Branford Marsalis tickets and more!

Branford Marsalis: an introduction and award news

jordan — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:50:29 +0000

It’s only natural that Branford Marsalis has turned out to be the world-renowned saxophonist that he is today. After all, the three time Grammy award winner was born into one of New Orleans’ most musical families. His father, Ellis, is a skilled pianist and three of his brothers are also involved in jazz.

Before Branford branched out on his own, he performed with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers as well as with his brother Wynton.

Branford’s discography spans nearly three decades with countless appearances as saxophone leader and sideman. His latest work, Metamorphosen, was released in 2009. It marks the 10th anniversary of Marsalis’ quintet: Joey Calderazzo (piano), Eric Revis (bass) and Jeff “Tain” Watts (drums).

Recently, Branford won a 2010 Drama Desk Award for ‘Outstanding Music in a Play’ for the Broadway production of August Wilson’s “Fences.” He has also received a nomination for a 2010 Tony Award in the ‘Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre’ category.

Although there are currently no Branford Marsalis tickets, more shows get added all the time so check back soon!