Branford Marsalis Quartet: A brief introduction

After four decades in the international spotlight, the achievements of saxophonist Branford Marsalis continue to grow.

From his initial recognition as a young jazz lion, he has expanded his vision as an instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and educator, crossing stylistic boundaries while maintaining unwavering creative integrity. In the process, he has become an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.

The Branford Marsalis Quartet, first formed in 1986, remains Branford’s primary means of expression. In its virtually uninterrupted three-plus decades of existence, the Quartet has established a rare breadth of stylistic range and a continuity of personnel.

'The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul', recorded in Melbourne, Australia in the midst of an international tour in the Spring of 2018, contains the mix of challenging original and classic compositions, and the range of moods from the tender to the explosive, that has defined the group.

With its focus on melodic strength and extrasensory interaction, the album confirms that the Branford Marsalis Quartet remains a paragon of uncompromising jazz excellence.

The Branford Marsalis Quarter were nominated in the public vote for Album of the Year at the Jazz FM Awards 2020 with OANDA, losing out to Yazz Ahmed for 'Polyhymnia'.

See our highlights from the Jazz FM Awards 2020 with OANDA:

You can hear the Branford Marsalis Quartet on the Jazz FM playlist.

Listen to Jazz FM across the UK on your digital radio, the free Rayo app, via the play button below and by asking your smart speaker to "play Jazz FM".

• branford marsalis quartet