Branford Marsalis

The concert was very nice. See u next year. Great jazz artist

We always want a little more when we see one of our favorite artists perform. It was a good show and Chene Park is always beautiful. Hopefully they do a longer set next time for my own enjoyment.

Unbelievable performance by Branford & his band! Very entertaining, personable & energetic! A special night was had by myself & my girl, thanks 4 a real-live jazz experience!

The sound at the refurbished Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater was excellent - there's no doubt about that. However, the new seating was perfectly awful. There was more than a little complaining about the inability to see anything on stage because the view was obliterated by the person sitting directly in front of you. The only time I actually saw the members of the band was when I stood up to applaud for the encore. The person in front of me had already left the theater. All the money spent of refurbishment and they couldn't get that right??? Branford Marsalis and his band did not play well and were very disorganized. He joked several times about their being off-key and not knowing the play list. He joked that it was "mayhem" on stage. Two of the band members walked onto the stage very late in the program. The base player showed up but his base did not. The drummer was also a no-show and Branford asked if there was a drummer in the audience, then he sat at the drums for part of a song before the drummer walked in. Very disorganized and very disappointing!!! The tickets were far too expensive at the higher end to say that ot was a good show.

This was a killer show. The band has a new energy that brings their sound to the next level...if that is even possible. Great set list too. The crowd loved them. Branford sounds better than ever before. Can't wait to see them in Rochester on 10/18.

While the musicians who accompanied Brandford Marsalis on stage are extremely talented, I went to this event to hear Mr. Marsalis play. I was very disappointed about the minimal time that he played and that he did not do at least one solo.

Not sure if it was because he got upset when his saxophone fell, but he just seemed a little off. The rest of the band was jamming, especially the interaction between piano and drums. Branford stayed in the background a little too much. Did not jam with the saxophone like had seen him do before, especially earlier in the year at the Newport Jazz Festival.

We were quite dissapointed, we like his CD ( I think it is called "Subtle") but what they played all night was too frenetic, to staccato, to loud and not at all what I have come to like from listending to him at home. It also was not tuneful or melodic, seemed to lack both for all but perhaps one or two of the songs It is not my type of Jazz.

The concert was amazing experience. I was lucky and got seats quite close to the stage. His play is very relaxed, clear and very inspiring. He plaid both alto and soprano saxophones. All the musicians were really good. I hope he comes to Boston soon again.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet performed at Berklee last night to a packed house. Jazz definitely lives! There were young people and old people, people of different colors, shapes, and sizes all having a blast. The quartet features a new drummer after decades of Jeff "Tain" Watts who has left to lead his own group. Justin Faulkner, Tain's replacement, is a young Berklee student who can provide great color with the drum kit as well as playing in whatever style is appropriate for the quartet at the moment. While the new album Metamorphosen is built around the Thelonious Monk tune, Rhythm-A-Ning, the live show relied more on the Quartet's ability to create a Coltrane sound - especially from Faulkner on drums and Joey Calderazzo on piano and then resolve in a post-Trane, Marsalis sound. Mid-way through the show, Marsalis put his tenor down on its stand began the next tune on soprano, and as Calderazzo started playing the piano, the stand collapsed and the tenor fell over. Marsalis was visibly shaken and it took him - and us - into the next tune to relax, reassure himself that the tenor was undamaged and dig back into the music. Nevertheless it was a great show.

Both my husband and I were very disappointed with the concert last night. We both expected that the featured artist would perform the majority of the concert. Unfortunately, his pianist and drummer individually were featured more than he was. During the first two songs, Marsalis played the intro then went to the back of the stage to have his band perform the majority of the song without him. He did perform two nice songs with his saprano sax that were the best I have heard with the saprano. I will never buy tickets again that has Marsalis as the featured artists - not worth the money but on the other hand his pianist and drummer are...

I just attended the concert just for his famous name, Branford. I had not heard of his music, which worried me. But the songs were great. I hope to buy his CDs if they include the musics they played yesterday.

I wish he were performing a little longer in Boston because his talent is incomparable. The drummer Jeff Watts, at a mere 18-years-old, is beyond impressive. I can't wait for their return!

I wish they would have played all night. They were fantastic!

The young drummer from Berklee , whose name I forget, was truly amazing and energetic.

The opening band was pretty good. Branford and his band were amazing. The theater was first rate.

Totally disappointed in Branford Marsalis! While technically the music was good, his music selection was hideous. I understand that artists want to push their new stuff, but they highlighted ONLY their news stuff: 3/4 untitled selections-two by the bassist, one by the pianist & one by Branford. 3 of the 4 sounded the same: "Nightmare of the Toys"-the opening selection was by the bassist & set the tone of the evening. It was a nightmare. There was no continuity or beat to the song-it was a mishmash of notes-a nightmare. His second "untitled" piece inspired by a documentary on despots sounded like it was the same number. Brandford himself did not play for much of the evening: he'd play his part, then retire to the back of the stage to allow his band to play w/o him. It was disappointing. If I want to listen to session players, I'll go the local bar. The pianist was extremely distracting: he bounced all over the place-I've never seen a pianist act in such away. They only played two recognizable tunes. Also, I don't understand the practice of highlighting EVERY band member for EVERY song-it's tiresome & smacks of filler. I'd prefer more songs & less crap. Again, the show was advertised as Brandford Marsalis, not session players on parade. Lastly, I've never seen E.J. Thomas so empty. There were only 350-400 people maximum at the show. They only had the bottom of the venue open. Obviously, others had heard how bad this how was. I couldn't wait for it to end.

Excellent show highlighting "real jazz" music as well as some avant-garde pieces that allowed the musicians to stretch out and display their skill, imagination, and improvisation. This show exceeded my expectation. Branford is both masterful and personable. It was a wonderful evening and experience.

Great performance, would see it again with no problem.

i would highly recommend seeing them, simply outstanding, the acoustics in Royce hall is to die for Kurt's voice is truly breath taking

I'll begin by saying I've been a jazz fan for over 40 years and love a very wide variety of styles. I was disappointed in the show overall. One of my favorite sax players with my favorite male singer today appeared to be the perfect blend but there were several flaws. I thought the rhythm section was given too many long solos. There was also a very long ear-splitting, furious tempo number that was way too avant garde for my taste. On the plus side, some of the numbers were as beautiful and perfect as I'd hoped. So, some of the concert was a 9 or 10 and some of it was a 2 or 3.

Obviously these are some of the world's greatest musicians and tremendous vocalist, and they were very well-rehearsed and tight in everything they did. Personally though, I enjoy hearing musical instruments more than voices, so the vocalist was a bit too much for me -- too many long, slow tunes. I was hoping to hear more of what the Maralis family does with New Orleans music, etc. I've seen Wynton many times and always loved the music. Also, coming toward the end of what seemed to be a very long show, I think the slow, lengthy piano solo was too long. I was very impressed by the drummer especially, and am always amazed at the best jazz drummers, who know every note of every song and fit their rhythms, accents, etc. so perfectly to each tune.

Great musicians, wonderful vocals, perfect timing. Loved the solos as well

An amazing performance and what I call jazz to the max ... The show was powerful, smooth, distinct, funny, crazy, calm, cool and brilliant ... Can't wait to see them again

I think this guy has a future as a professional musician.

Great atmosphere matched with incredible workmanship and creativity of the musicians.

This was a terrific performance! I was not only impressed with the jazz band but the vocalists had amazing voices. Joey Calderazzo's skills on the piano added fun to the event and Brandford, as always was terrific. After experiencing this wonderful event I am looking forward to listening and supporting the Jazz studies at NCCU. I am looking forward to future opportunities to hear these groups! If you get a chance you should attend their events. It will be a great evening of entertaining!

The musicians and vocalists were amazing and the program went for over two hours. I definitely will go to hear these students play and sign again and again for they lots of talent.

An iconic performer with a laid back down to earth presence that puts the audience into the mood of the performer. Classic charts and technique,nearly flawless. Joey was superb on piano. ,A little too intense on the drum set though..

There were a number of people in the audience who seemed surprised at the content of this concert. Doubtless, the ones who didn't know what was meant by "well-tempered." I think even they were charmed, though, by the sheer musicianship of the members of the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra and the amazing virtuosity of the headliner. Even after enjoying Branford's jazz renderings for many years, I was pleasantly surprised at his classical style and delivery His transcriptions of the Baroque compositions were true to the composers' art and yet were melodic and sweet when performed on the soprano sax. There were even a couple of hints of a jazz riff cleverly concealed in a Bach piece.

The performance was fantastic! Obviously Branford was above great, but the rest of his quartet matched his enthusiasm and precision. What a performance. NOT TO MISS - A MUST SEE!

What a tight, cohesive quartet Branford has for himself! Each musician shown on his own, yet blended well as the group. Joey Calderazzo on piano was an unexpected amazing surprise. He is one of the best jazz pianists I have seen. He was so talented with the piano - I just enjoyed watching his rousing performance. There is nothing better than watching true musicians who really love perform. I especially liked My Ideal, Teo and Whiplash. I downloaded those from iTunes when I got home. Branford's musicianship was impeccable. I would definitely see his quartet again.

In typical Kansas City fashion, we couldnt sell out a small jazz venue featuring a world renowned jazz musican. We worry about the Chiefs and Royals and refuse to support world class music. Its hard to believe we are even known for jazz given the lack of Kansas City support to a venue that is superb in size, sound quality, and ease of access to the venue. Simply amazing, and we wonder why we are still a COWTOWN. We always will be..................... I am hoping that some day all people will turn off the TVs and come down to enjoy true world class entertainment. It was one of the best shows in entertainment today. I would also like to thank the staff for their warm hospitality and great help. PS- Pray for a regular jazz radio station in this city. Boy do we need one................

Great show. The longer it went, the better it got.

The renovated Missouri Theater is gorgeous -- perfect for an intimate musical performance such as this. And the Branford Marsalis Quartet members were up to the task, turning in an energetic set of Monk (and other) covers and originals that ran the gamut from powerhouse romps to swinging toe-tappers to mesmerising ballads. Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo and Eric Revis were the road-tempered cohesive unit you would expect -- supporting, engaging, and challenging each other from musical peak to musical peak. And relative newcomer 18-year-old drummer Jason Faulkner all but stole the show as a veritable one-man percussion army ... literally leaving destroyed kick drums and drumsticks in his wake! My one slight complaint: the short 90-minute set left Branford standing in the shadows too often while the other musicians soloed -- if the set has to be limited to 90-minutes, I would rather have listened to 90-minutes of Branford ... no offense, Joey, Eric and Jason.

Not a good time. The musicians were late, Branford was sick and apparently there was no attempts to balance the sound system. So in a very small theater the musicians in their first number banged and banged as if playing to fill Yankee Stadium. It was painful On the that first piece and others there was little sense that any of them was aware of what the others were doing. This continued as over and over the lack of balance (mostly on the part of the drums), overwhelmed the jazz itself. You could hardly even tell there was a bass player in most pieces. The band should have gotten clues from the audience who clapped much more fervently for the quiet numbers. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING-ITS A TINY VENUE!

Awesome musicians and band!! I attend Jazz shows all the time, and was one of the best I've seen in a long time. Congrats BMQ!!

Brandford Marsalis, and his quartet-mates, Joey Calderazzo, Eric Revis, and Justin Faulkner, arrived at the Avalon Theatre, in Easton Marland, December 4 2009, shortly after 8pm, and gave an entertaining, yet sophisticated, performance. Branford apparently contracted Bronchitis during a recent European tour, yet put his best foot forward through-out the night. He smiled and favored the audience with his warm charm and highly competent jazz prowess. The rest of his players followed suit. I had worried, when bringing my Thai girlfriend to this event, that Branford's young drummer, Justin Faulkner, age 19, would show some sign of inexperience, such as playing the drums too aggressively, or too loudly compared to the tone set by his partners, or that he would show some sign of cocky-ness. My worries were never confirmed, as Justin came across as a young man who just loved to play the drums, and did so with great finesse and seeming ease, and never gave a hint of arrogance. He seemed focused on his task, and he performed very well. These four musicians played together in great harmony and given the fact that there are no vocals, in their songs, I am surprised that I came away from this concert event with a feeling of great satisfaction. From the first piece, to the last, the music just kept getting better. In keeping with this theme, I thought the last song they played, in encore, was the best song of the entire night. I can only say that I am so happy to have attended, and would gladly do so again.

The drummer who is barely past the age of 18 nearly stole the show. The hands of the pianist flew across and over the keyboards with such passion. The bassist stayed back, but supported the other three members of the band with equal skill and delivery. Branford blew his horns fluidly even while fighting Bronchitis. What a show.. no intermission.. just played..

The music was fantastic. The band made the show great in spite of the fact that the drummer couldn't get there because of the storm in new england. Mr. Masalis recruited a drummer from the Eastman school of music, which made the event more intimate and enjoyable. It is too bad that the local music scene reporters did not pick up on this. It would have made a great human interest story. Mr. Marsalis quietly coached the young man as they were playing. He even let him do a solo. Everyone in the band played at a high level and made the night one to remember.

I was really happy about Branford's sax and the bass player. But I didn't like the piano and the drum. I wish Branford had brought the piano and the drum of his men too.

This was such an unusual evening that any review would not be representative. I think they changed the music selection because the bass violin player arrived without his bass violin and the drummer never arrived at all. The first 3rd of the show was disappointing, not so much because of the missing instruments but because the music selection was more standards, hotel-lobby/elevator music. But after a borrowed bass violin, a borrowed drummer, and borrowed drumsticks, the show became everything I expected plus some! Through it all, Branford managed through the on-stage issues caused by travel mishaps, and displayed his excellent musicianship.

Drummer did not show Bass player had to borrow an instrument Entire concert was disorganized... They did know what songs they were going to play It was not practiced or polished... Totally unprofessional

Marsalis' concert was great even though the drummer never made it to Rochester because of weather and airplane delays. A volunteer (I believe from the Eastman School of Music), Eric Schmidt, was the replacement drummer for the evening. The evening was a bit of improv but that is what jazz is all about.

What a wonderful concert! Thoroughly enjoyed the unstructured feel; even though Branford Marsalis said it was mayhem up there (missing and late band members; flying to Europe the next day...) this was part of the fun. How amazing to have these problems and still produce such a great sound. Kudos to Eric Schmidt (Eastman student?) who filled in on drums unexpectedly!

At first it was Branford and his pianist, percussion arrived about 75 mins after concert started and we weren't sure if he was from audience or part of Quartet. Bass player came into concert after about 20-30 mins. It was not a planned concert/set but haphazard and confusing. We could hear the music well but speaking to each other was not audible in Loge area. When all of quartet was there, IT WAS GREAT!