Search - Branford Marsalis, Branford Marsalis Quartet :: Footsteps of Our Fathers

Strong playing as usual but...

A. Davis | 01/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'd have to agree with most of everyone's remarks but for one critical issue: the recording itself. Bass and drums are so pumped throughout the playing that shamefully, it almost becomes a struggle to hear the fine playing of Marsalis and Calderazzo- let's face it, though this is a quartet, they represent the polyphonic voices in the unit (NOT to slight Watts and Revis, but they are too upront in the mix at the expense of sax and piano). This time the fault lies with the production. A pity, because with the slightest adjustment on the board this could all have been avoided. Still, it kicks with a variety of moods and clear reverence for the masters of the genre, who Marsalis is assuredly and rapidly joining through his output and devotion to pure jazz."

A good controversy

nadav haber | jerusalem Israel | 03/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think controversies are good to music, and especially to jazz, where the conroversy can be included in the music itself.

I was attracted to this cd mainly because of the controversy sorrounding the Marsalis brothers. After listening closely to the music, I can see that both sides of the controversy have their truths.

On the positive side, it is clear that Marsalis is a wonderful student of the tradition of jazz, and that he has the deepest respect for the giants - Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Coltrane and John lewis - whose music he chose to play here. I personally share his love for tradition, and I believe that this is one of the most important traditions we can draw on today. His playing does not intend to compete with his heroes - he stays fairly close to their interpretations and approach. Branford, like his brother, is a wonderful player whose seriousness about his craft should be applauded.

On the less positive side - there is one essential feature in Colman, Rollins and Coltrane which is totally lacking in Marsalis - URGENCY. Despite what is written in the (wonderful) liner notes, Marsalis does not play as if the struggle continues. The emotional urgency which characterized his heroes (especially Trane but the others as well) is for me the number one reason for listening to them and for loving them. The fragileness of Coltrane, the dry humor in Rollins, the total individuality of Coleman - these do not have their match in Branford.

I have heard urgency in the playing of today's musicians - Steve Coleman, David S Ware, James Carter, Greg Osby, and Joshua Redman - so it is not something lost with the times. And this accounts for the missing fifth star of this very good cd."

Spell bound - This is Music!

T. Klaase | Orange Park, Florida United States | 06/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Branford send me into outter space with this recording. What fab musicianship. Almost no one swings as hard as this band and as hard as Branford himself. The version of Coltrane's "A love supreme" just takes it to the next level. I actually enjoy his version better than the original, although I can respect Coltrane for the composition for sure... Each member of this quartet is stunning and I would highly recommend this CD..."