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.