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Branford Marsalis Interview

Jamie is joined by the saxophonist, composer and modern jazz giant Branford Marsalis to talk about his soundtrack for the film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Jamie’s guest on the show this week is the saxophonist, composer and modern jazz giant Branford Marsalis.

A leading name in music for four decades, Branford’s career has taken him from playing with legendary group Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, to touring with Sting and featuring with the New York Philharmonic! He’s led The Tonight show band, composed for Broadway and also helmed his own Branford Marsalis Quartet for most of that time, picking up several Grammy Awards along the way.

Branford has recently turned his attention to soundtracking the story of a great artist from a different era - the 1920s ‘blues’ singer Ma Rainey, brought to life on screen by Viola Davis in the new film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Jamie talks to Branford about writing music for the period, why playing a saxophone isn’t ‘sexy’ and his brilliant 90s RnB-Jazz fusion project, Buckshot LeFonque.

1 minute

Last on

Tue 6 Apr 2021 21:00

Music Played

  • Annie Ross & Gerry Mulligan

    I Feel Pretty

    • Annie Ross Sings A Song With Mulligan!.
    • World Pacific.
  • Dorothy Donegan

    I Just Want To Sing

    • The Many Faces Of Dorothy Donegan.
    • Storyville Records.
  • Tony Allen, Skepta & Ben Okri

    Cosmosis

    • There Is No End.
    • Blue Note.
  • Branford Marsalis

    Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

    • Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Soundtrack.
    • Milan Records.
  • Branford Marsalis

    Levee's Song

    • Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Soundtrack.
    • Milan Records.
  • Buckshot LeFonque

    The Blackwidow Blues

    • Buckshot LeFonque.
    • Sony Music.
  • Branford Marsalis

    Snake Hip Waltz

    • The Secret Between The Shadow And The Soul.
  • Daniel Casimir

    Safe (Part 1)

    • Safe Pt. 1.
    • Jazz re:freshed.
  • Tino Contreras

    La Malaguena

    • El Jazz Mexicano de Tino Contreras.
    • Jazzman Albums.
  • Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders & London Symphony Orchestra

    Promises (Movement 1)

    • Promises.
    • Luaka Bop.

Broadcast

  • Tue 6 Apr 2021 21:00