Branford Marsalis (born August 26, 1960) is an American saxophonist, composer and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot
LeFonque.
Marsalis was born in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, the son of Dolores (née Ferdinand) and Ellis Louis Marsalis, Jr., a pianist and music professor.[1] His brothers Jason Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis III, and Delfeayo Marsalis, and father Ellis are also jazz musicians.
Marsalis, with his father and brothers, were group recipients of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award.[4]

In June 2011, after working together for over 10 years in a band setting, Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo released their first duo album titled Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, on Branford's label, Marsalis Music. Their world premiere performance was on June 29, 2011 in Koerner Hall at the 2011 TD Toronto Jazz Festival.

In 2012, Branford Marsalis and his tight-knit working band delivered Four MFs Playin' Tunes on deluxe 180-gram high definition vinyl, just in time for Record Store Day 2012 on April 21, 2012. This is the first recording of the Branford Marsalis Quartet with drummer Justin Faulkner, who joined the band in 2009 and was the first vinyl release from Marsalis Music. The CD and digital release of Four MFs Playin' Tunes followed on August 7, 2012. Vinyl purchases came with a download card that enabled purchasers to receive a free digital copy when it was released. The album was named Apple iTunes Best of 2012 Instrumental Jazz Album of the Year.

On May 15, 2012, Branford Marsalis received an Honorary Doctor of Music Degree from the University of North Carolina.

In June of 2012, Marsalis, alongside friend and fellow New Orleans native Harry Connick, Jr., was honored by the Jefferson Awards for Public Service for his work in the Musicians' Village of New Orleans.

Marsalis performed the Star Spangled Banner on Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC.

On March 26, 2013, Branford Marsalis received the degree of Doctor of Arts Leadership, honoris causa from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

Birth name Branford Marsalis
Born August 26, 1960 (age 52)
Origin Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, U.S.
Genres Jazz, post-bop, Classical
Instruments Saxophone
Years active 1980-present
Labels Marsalis Music
Associated acts Wynton Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Jr., Joey Calderazzo, Eric Revis, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kenny Kirkland, DJ Premier, Sting, The Tonight Show Band, Kevin Eubanks, Anna Maria Jopek, Harry Connick, Jr., Matt Finders, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones
Website www.branfordmarsalis.com

Bit Rate.....320kbps