EW's GRADE
A-

Details Lead Performance: Branford Marsalis; Genre: Jazz

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has been working overtime to dispel the memories of his recent lounge-lite Leno gig. On The Dark Keys he comes out fighting, displaying a confident and tough if overly busy style that returns him to contender status. Working with just bass and drums, Marsalis holds his ground, even on some mano a mano encounters with ace saxmen Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett. This is serious, demanding playing from a celebrity itching to prove he's still an artist. A-

Originally posted Nov 29, 1996 Published in issue #355 Nov 29, 1996 Order article reprints

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