Branford Marsalis Residency
In a three-day residency sponsored by the University Musical Society, Branford Marsalis played a jazz concert February 19 at the Michigan Theater and a classical chamber concert on February 21 at Rackham Auditorium. On February 20, when not in an “epic rehearsal,” he gave a talk at the University of Michigan Ford School for Public Policy in which he shared his insights into the relationship between art, culture, and public policy and activism.
Branford’s jazz quartet played a tight 50-minute set. They played pieces by Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, Keith Jarrett, and others. The highlight may have been the 1927 composition by Fred Fisher, “There Ain’t No Sweet Man Worth the Salt of My Tears,” and not only for the title but for the extended solos by Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner. I admit I was concerned that the drummer might overrun the other musicians as he seemed to play the first piece in the program with wild abandonment. Not to worry though, as Revis tempered and fit his playing to each piece. After the set they left the stage for some time, but were called back by the audience and played a Duke Ellington medley. It concluded with special guest Walter Blanding soloing in “It Don’t Mean a Thing.”
On Friday Marsalis was joined by Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim McAllister and collaborative pianist Liz Ames. Both Dr. McAllister and Dr. Ames are on the faculty of the U-M School of Music, Theater, and Dance. They began with pieces by Liszt and Debussy before turning to contemporary composers to finish the first half. After intermission they played an arrangement of Ennio Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso,” and the world premiere of a UMS commission of Michael Daugherty’s “Kansas City Confidential.” The great jazz city is recalled with the five movements named after classic jazz venues in the city. In one movement, Dr. Ames played the piano with her left hand and the harmonica with her right hand. Daugherty, also a U-M SMTD professor, introduced the piece and came on stage afterwards for a well-deserved bow with the trio, which is looking to play together in the years ahead. The audience may have entered unsure of what they were going to hear but left with great appreciation for the smooth tones of the saxophones and fine ensemble playing.
TOP: Branford Marsalis, Liz Ames, Michael Daugherty, Tim McAlister