JAZZERCISE:

Marsalis puts muscle into classic sound (Kevin Whitehead, October 15, 2002, Chicago Sun-Times)

When Branford Marsalis takes a solo, he throws his whole body into motion.

He rocks on his heels and toes and swings his tenor saxophone out in front of him--not too far--putting his hips and elbows behind it. That physicality makes sense: Marsalis has a drummer's instinct for rhythm. He likes punchy phrases that bear down on the beat but still roll with it. [...]

Much is made of Marsalis' love of "the tradition," as if that alone ensures good music. (It doesn't.) Marsalis makes no secret of his admiration for John Coltrane, but what really matters is that he has thoroughly digested that influence, just as earlier players incorporated Charlie Parker's signature mannerisms into their personal styles. Traces of Coltrane's haunting ballad tone, his rippling scales and soaring high notes were in there, but they never felt like self-conscious acts of tribute. They've become part of Marsalis' own expressive arsenal.

One of the more likeable things about the Marsalis brothers is their respect for the tradition. Posted by Orrin Judd at October 19, 2002 5:56 AM