Gillespie was teamed up with Branford Marsalis for this decent effort. His own trumpet playing had faded quite a bit by this time (he was already age 67), but he sounds enthusiastic on five of his compositions (including "Birk's Works"), "Tin Tin Deo," and Mike Longo's "Every Mornin'," trading ideas with such young turks as Marsalis, pianist Kenny Kirkland and bassist Lonnie Plaxico. Scott Yanow Tracklist + Credits : 
In his early years after leaving Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Wynton Marsalis strode forth with this excellent recording, his second as a leader, done in tandem with brother Branford, also out of Blakey's herd. The combination of the two siblings created quite a buzz in the music community, and this recording, which may stand the test of time as his finest, is one of the more solid mainstream jazz statements from the Young Lions movement of the early '80s. Top to bottom, this music sings, swings, simmers, and cooks with a cool verve that, in retrospect, would turn more overtly intellectual over time. A command of dynamics akin to those of Charles Mingus creates a signature sound, heard clearly in the opener, "Knozz-Moe-King," fueled by supercharged bop; the bold, extroverted, and precise trumpeting of the leader; and Kenny Kirkland's complementary piano comping. It could be the best single track of the entire recording career of Wynton. Ranking close behind is the tick-tock drumming of Jeff Watts, informing the pretty albeit dark musings of the brothers during "Fuchsia," and the sighing horns, samba bass of Phil Bowler, and stop-start modernities of an utterly original "The Bell Ringer." A bouncy treatment of the standard "My Ideal" shows Wynton's singing tone through his horn, a great interpretation of Thelonious Monk's "Think of One" is totally sly and slinky in low-register hues, and triplet phrases that have become a staple of the Marsalis musical identity accent "Later," adapted from a phrase similar to "Surrey with the Fringe on Top." At their unified best, Wynton and Branford shine on the tricky "What Is Happening Here (Now)?," a spillover residual of their time with Blakey. Think of One is a definitive statement for Wynton Marsalis, and though other efforts turned much more elaborate, none have been played better -- with more palpable spark and original ideas -- than this fine studio date. Michael G. Nastos
Tracklist :
1 Knozz-Moe-King 6'00
Wynton Marsalis
2 Fuschia 6'29
K. Kirkland
3 My Ideal 6'19
Newell Chase / Leo Robin / Richard A. Whiting
4 What Is Happening Here (Now) ? 4'06
Ray Drummond
5 Think of One 5'30
Thelonious Monk
Arranged By – Wynton Marsalis
6 The Bell Ringer 9'05
Wynton Marsalis
7 Later 4'09
Wynton Marsalis
8 Melancholia 2'49
Duke Ellington
Credits :
Bass – Phil Bowler, Ray Drummond (pistas: 2, 4, 7, 8)
Drums – Jeffrey Watts
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Producer, Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Soprano Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis, very much in his Miles Davis period, plays quite melodically throughout this ballad-dominated outing with strings. Branford Marsalis (on tenor and soprano), flutist Kent Jordan, pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Jeff Watts are strong assets but it is Wynton's subtle creativity on such songs as "Stardust," "When You Wish Upon a Star," Duke Ellington's "Melancholia," and "I'm Confessin'" that makes this recording special. The arrangements by Robert Freedman generally keep the strings from sounding too sticky and Wynton's tone is consistently. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Stardust 4'07
Hoagy Carmichael / Mitchell Parish
2 Lazy Afternoon 5'03
John Latouche / Jürg Morgenthaler / Jerome Moross
3 For All We Know 6'15
J. Fred Coots / Sam M. Lewis
4 When You Wish Upon a Star 4'40
Leigh Harline / Ned Washington
5 Django 4'52
John Lewis
6 Melancholia 5'09
Duke Ellington
7 Hot House Flowers 5'46
Wynton Marsalis
8 I'm Confessin' (That I Love You) 5'41
Doc Daugherty / Al J. Neiburg / Ellis Reynolds
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Jeff "Tain" Watts
Flute [Alto] – Kent Jordan
Piano – Kenny Kirkland
Saxophone [Tenor], Saxophone [Soprano] – Branford Marsalis
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis
Recorded at the Kennedy Center on June 15, 2009, Music Redeems features the Marsalis Family performing live at a charity concert to benefit the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music -- part of the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village. Although conceived by Branford Marsalis and Harry Connick, Jr. prior to Hurricane Katrina, the Musicians' Village took on even more importance after the catastrophe as more musicians and their families were either displaced into inadequate housing or left homeless than ever before. Designed to raise funds and awareness for the Center, the concert also worked as a tribute to patriarch, longtime pianist, and educator Ellis Marsalis. In a similar spirit to 2003's The Marsalis Family: A Jazz Celebration -- which featured the family performing live in 2001 to mark Ellis' retirement from teaching at New Orleans University -- here we once again see the family gather on-stage to pay homage to the elder Marsalis and what his legacy means for New Orleans. As well as Ellis himself, featured here are all of the Marsalises, including trumpeter Wynton, saxophonist Branford, trombonist Delfeayo, drummer Jason, and even poet Ellis III, as well as pianist Connick, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Herlin Riley. The result is a joyous and heartfelt evening of music that mixes propulsive post-bop, swing, traditional New Orleans second line, and spoken word, and is a must-hear for fans of any of the individual members of the Marsalis Family. Matt Collar
Tracklist :
1 Introducing... the Marsalis Family 1'49
Leon Harris
2 Donna Lee 6'55
Charlie Parker
3 Wynton and Branford Speak 2'13
4 Monkey Puzzle 8'23
James Black
5 After 4'56
Ellis Marsalis, Jr.
6 Syndrome 6'10
Ellis Marsalis, Jr.
7 Sweet Georgia Brown 5'03
Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard
8 Harry Speaks 2'51
9 Teo 7'58
Thelonious Monk
10 The Man and the Ocean 4'14
Ellis Marsalis III
11 At the House, In Da Pocket 9'51
Jason Marsalis
12 The 2nd Line 6'35
Traditional
Credits
Bass – Eric Revis (pistas: 2,4,6,9,11,12)
Drums – Herlin Riley (pistas: 2,4,6,)
Piano – Ellis Marsalis (pistas: 2,4,5,6,7,9,11,12), Harry Connick, Jr. (pistas: 7,11)
Tenor Saxophone – Branford Marsalis (pistas: 4,6,9,11,12)
Trombone – Delfeayo Marsalis (pistas: 6,9,11,12)
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis (pistas: 2,6,9,11,12)
Whistle, Vibraphone, Drums – Jason Marsalis (pistas: 2,4,6,9,11,12) 
Romances for Saxophone was released in 1986 by CBS Masterworks' Light Classics division. Branford Marsalis, usually known for his jazz background, asserts his mastery of the soprano saxophone on this excellent collection of romantic chamber music. Accompanied by the English Chamber Orchestra, Marsalis indulges us with some of his most fervent music yet. Each piece explores a different aspect of love and romance. Vocalese, originally for the soprano voice, portray the vocal lyricism and musicality of Marsalis' soprano saxophone. The "Rachmaninoff Vocalese" is an exceptional confirmation of the mastery of tone and musicianship that defines the music Marsalis is known for. Other well-known works, such as Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse and Stravinsky's Pastorale, brilliantly contrast the air that Marsalis has played since 1981. The French and Russian compositions add a new dimension to the young Marsalis repertoire -- classical romantic. by Paula Edelstein
Tracklist:
1 L' isle joyeuse, for piano, L. 106 6:46
Claude Debussy
Orchestrated by Michel Colombier
2 Pavane, for orchestra & chorus ad lib in F sharp minor, Op. 50 5:44
Gabriel Fauré
Arabesques (2) for piano, L. 66
3 Arabesque No.1, Orchestrated by Michel Colombier 4:15 laude Debussy
Vocalise, instrumental arrangement, Op. 34/14
4 Vocalise, Edited by Michel Colombier 6:01
Sergey Rachmaninov
5 Pastorale, song without words for voice & piano 2:43
Igor Stravinsky
6 Emmanuel, for saxophone & orchestra 2:52
7 Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5, for voice & 8 cellos, A. 389 5:36
Heitor Villa-Lobos
8 Gymnopedie for piano No. 3 2:31
Erik Satie
9 Prélude, for piano 3:19
Maurice Ravel
Edited by Michel Colombier
10 Vocalise-Étude en forme de Habanera, for voice & piano 2:44
Maurice Ravel
11 Sicilienne, for cello & piano, Op. 78 3:36
Gabriel Fauré
Edited by Michel Colombier
12 Serenade for piano in A major 2:59
Igor Stravinsky
Pictures at an Exhibition (Kartinki s vïstavski), for piano
13 The Old Castle, Edited by Michel Colombier 4:25
Modest Mussorgsky
Directed By – Andrew Litton
Orchestra – The English Chamber Orchestra
Orchestrated By – Michel Colombier
Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
The high point of Branford Marsalis' third Columbia release as a leader is a 15-minute version of Jimmy Rowles' "The Peacocks" played in a trio with pianist Herbie Hancock and bassist Buster Williams. The remainder of the program matches Marsalis with pianist Kenny Kirkland, bassist Bob Hurst, and drummer Tony Williams on a pair of standards ("Just One of Those Things" and a live version of "St. Thomas"), J.J. Johnson's "Lament," and originals by Marsalis and Williams. Although he did not have an immediately recognizable sound on tenor and soprano at this point, it was obvious from nearly the start that Branford Marsalis would have a very significant career. This is one of his better early efforts. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 Just One Of Those Things 7:46
Written-By – C. Porter
2 Lament 5:58
Written-By – J.J. Johnson
3 The Peacocks 15:00
Written-By – J. Rowles
4 Love Stone 6:24
Written-By – T. Williams
5 Citadel 10:42
Written-By – T. Williams
6 The Wrath (Structured Burnout) 6:29
Written-By – B. Marsalis
7 St. Thomas 4:50
Written-By – S. Rollins
Credits:
Bass – Buster Williams (tracks: 3), Bob Hurst (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Drums – Tony Williams
Piano – Herbie Hancock (tracks: 3), Kenny Kirkland (tracks: 1, 2, 4 to 7)
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Eternal finds saxophonist Branford Marsalis in a contemplative mood performing a mix of original and standard ballads with his usual quartet of pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. The title track, written for his wife Nicole, is a hushed and cerebral affair, but never feels anything but warm. Similarly, the lead-off track, "The Ruby and the Pearl," contains the faint blush of Ellington-ian exoticism and "Gloomy Sunday" brings to mind the rumbling and atmospheric late-'60s work of longtime Marsalis touchstone John Coltrane. The album, his second solo outing for his Marsalis Music label, is dedicated in memory to a list of people one can only assume were as influential musically on Marsalis as emotionally. Among them are bassist Malachi Favors, drummer Elvin Jones, saxophonist Steve Lacy, and the one and only Ray Charles. Their spirits are palpable here as Marsalis and his band have clearly documented a handful of quietly beautiful and deeply moving performances. by Matt Collar
There was no doubt that when Jeff "Tain" Watts left the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 2009, they would take some time to regroup. They recruited then 18-year-old drummer Justin Faulkner, confusing many fans. But Marsalis knew what he was doing. Faulkner makes his BMQ debut on the no-nonsense Four MFs Playin' Tunes. The program features seven originals and two covers, recorded over a couple of days in 2011. There isn't any conceptual bent to what's here; the definition is in the humorous title -- four jazzmen investing themselves fully in a set of diverse compositions, focusing on the details of collective conversation, interplay, harmony, and improvisation. Faulkner has a fine balance of skills: he's physical, he possesses a forcefulness that drives this group, but he can also dance with real finesse. Joey Calderazzo's sprightly "The Mighty Sword," which has a slightly tropical Latin tinge, features excellent dialogue between Marsalis' soprano and the pianist in the high register. Faulkner pushes from the outside with frenetic snare, cymbal, and tom-tom work as bassist Eric Revis swings like mad underneath. Another highlight is the bassist's nearly mystical ballad "Maestra," which moves from speculative to an outright flow of elegance and emotion without ever losing its restraint. The cover of Monk's "Teo" is more about rhythmic dialogue than anything else. There is little harmonic revelation here, but the joy the group displays in playing its changes and the slippery series of extra and syncopated beats Faulkner slides in make it delightful. Marsalis' "Whiplash" is exactly what it claims to be: a driving, knotty hard bop tune with excellent tenor, piano, and drum solos. There's also a longer reprise of Calderazzo's "Endymion" from his and Marsalis' 2011 duet album, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy. With labyrinthine lyric exchanges by the pianist and Marsalis' tenor, the rhythm section -- in a dazzling intricate display of its own -- moves it beyond its classical leanings and into more adventurous terrain. Revis' bass here is so illustrative that Calderazzo could have gone off in any direction from the wide-angled melody. The saxophonist's "Treat It Gentle" is given gorgeous, straight-ahead blues ballad treatment with tasteful, lightly swinging solos; it stretches to over nine minutes. Four MFs Playin' Tunes is a solid return by the BMQ. Rather than offer anything new, they instead focus on re-introducing the band as a creative unit whose capacity for musical excellence is undiminished. (This comment is posted on allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower our blog O Púbis da Rosa)
Tracklist:
1 The Mighty Sword 7:08
Composed By – Joey Calderazzo
2 Brews 5:12
Composed By – Eric Revis
3 Maestra 5:27
Composed By – Eric Revis
4 Teo 8:28
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
5 Whiplash 7:30
Composed By – Branford Marsalis
6 As Summer Into Autumn Slips 9:52
Composed By – Joey Calderazzo
7 Endymion 9:18
Composed By – Branford Marsalis
8 My Ideal 9:35
Composed By – Leo Robin, Newell Chase, Richard A. Whiting
9 Treat It Gentle 4:16
Composed By – Branford Marsalis
Credits:
Bass – Eric Revis
Drums – Justin Faulkner
Piano – Joey Calderazzo
Producer – Branford Marsalis
Recorded By, Mixed By – Rob "Wacko!" Hunter
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
Since the mid-'80s, Branford Marsalis has led various incarnations of his quartet, issuing a bevy of highly inventive and playful albums like Random Abstract, Crazy People Music, and Braggtown, all of which showcase his love of swinging acoustic jazz and dynamic group interplay. 2019's The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul is no exception and finds the saxophonist balancing an expressive maturity with a continued sense of fun. Following up 2012's Four MFs Playin' Tunes, as well their 2016 Kurt Elling collaboration Upward Spiral, this iteration of the quartet features pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner (who replaced Jeff "Tain" Watts in 2009). Together, they play with a deft abandon that often borders on focused chaos. The best example of this here is the Revis-penned "Dance of the Evil Toys," a kinetic snowplow of free group improv that brings to mind Ornette Coleman. Interestingly, most of the other extroverted moments are cover songs. Marsalis dives into Keith Jarrett's "The Windup," accenting the pianist's already exuberant song with a roiling second line-meets-gospel groove that sounds like Dave Brubeck on thick caffeine. Similarly, they tackle Andrew Hill's "Snake Hip Waltz," playing gleefully within the track's off-kilter, 3/4 buoyancy and bluesy, Parisian sophistication. While post-bop dynamism is certainly one of Marsalis' fortes, he's also a deeply emotive and lyrical performer, something that colors much of his work here. "Conversation Among the Ruins" is a deeply elegiac ballad by Calderazzo that's rife with classical intonations and ends in double time swing. Marsalis even pays tribute to his late mother, Dolores Marsalis, who passed away in 2017, dedicating his song "Life Filtering from the Water Flowers" to her. It starts out as a ruminative tone poem as Marsalis' sax emerges from a silent fog, only to be joined by his bandmates in a spiral of joyful purpose. Equally mutative is Revis' "Nilaste," a harmonically nuanced minor noir in which the band investigate the song's dark shadows before exploding into the light. It's that dynamic balance, so organic to Marsalis' group, that illuminates all of The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul. by Matt Collar
Tracklist:
1 Dance Of The Evil Toys 8:23
Written-By – Eric Revis
2 Conversation Among The Ruins 8:46
Written-By – Joey Calderazzo
3 Snake Hip Waltz 5:51
Written-By – Andrew Hill
4 Cianna 7:32
Written-By – Joey Calderazzo
5 Nilaste 10:15
Written-By – Eric Revis
6 Life Filtering From The Water Flowers 9:00
Written-By – Branford Marsalis
7 The Windup 12:30
Written-By – Keith Jarrett
Credits:
Bass – Eric Revis
Drums – Justin Faulkner
Piano – Joey Calderazzo
Producer – Branford Marsalis
Saxophone – Branford Marsalis
This rather streaky set of music features Miles Davis with keyboardist Robert Irving III (who has since slipped into obscurity) and guitarist John Scofield contributing most of the compositions and the other solos. There are some moments of interest (Branford Marsalis is heard on some cuts on soprano), but it is doubtful if anyone will be reviving "Robot 415," "Freaky Deaky," or "Code M.D." anytime soon. by Scott Yanow
"Retrospective - The Very Best Of e.s.t." is a retrospective of the unique work of e.s.t. and a tribute to the late mastermind Esb...
