Branford Marsalis

(b. 1960)

Jazz saxophonist and bandleader — eldest of the Marsalis brothers. Equally at home in jazz, classical, and popular music; led The Tonight Show band under Jay Leno in the early 1990s. Founded the Marsalis Music record label. Like his father Ellis Marsalis and brother Wynton Marsalis, he bridges performance and education, having served as artist-in-residence at several universities.

Connection

Herbert reaches Branford Marsalis through Frank Barrett, who is himself a jazz pianist. (How Frank knows Branford: to be filled in.)

Cross-Connections

• Ellis Marsalis – father and first musical mentor
• Wynton Marsalis – brother