Releases

Whether delivered in the Spanish of her native Chile or the English that has served her well during her years in the United States, Claudia Acuña creates music resonant with determination and compassion, commitment to struggling for and sustaining her hope for a better world.

If Haiku, Joey Calderazzo’s previous Marsalis Music release and first recording comprised completely of solo performances, was a significant milestone in the career of the acclaimed pianist, then Amanecer must be counted as equally momentous. Recorded in January 2006 and produced by Calderazzo’s longtime leader and friend Branford Marsalis, the album captures Calderazzo’s ongoing progress as a solo artist while also placing him in the new context of duos and trio encounters with vocalist Claudia Acuña and guitarist Romero Lubambo. Read more »

For those like Harry Connick, Jr. who grew up in New Orleans, the Crescent City has always been a constant state of mind. The love that he and the members of his band share for this birthplace of so much of America’s musical culture has defined all of their performances, but never more so than on Chanson du Vieux Carre, the third disc in the Marsalis Music label’s series Connick on Piano. Read more »

Even when he has not been in the spotlight, drummer Michael Carvin’s presence has been felt over a wide range of music. There are the jazz gigs he has logged over the last 30 years, in support of numerous major artists as well as at the helm of his own groups; and there are the many blues and pop performances he has energized, beginning with two years as house drummer for Motown Records in the late 1960s.

For Marsalis Music’s second DVD release, label founder Branford Marsalis and his quartet have been captured in a complete performance of John Coltrane’s 1964 masterpiece A Love Supreme. This legendary suite, which tenor saxophonist Marsalis included on his label’s premier release, Footsteps of Our Fathers, was performed at Amsterdam’s Bimhuis during a European tour in March 2003. Read more »

At its best, the most passionate and promising of today’s jazz is less a fusion of exotic and mainstream elements than a reflection of the more complex, cosmopolitan environment of the contemporary improvising musician. Miguel Zenón, whose alto saxophone and quartet make their Marsalis Music debut on Ceremonial, is a stellar example of the blends of energy, passion, intellect and spirit that ensures the music’s continued relevance and growth. Read more »

Say it as if it were spelled “womble,” and you’ve got the correct the pronunciation of Doug Wamble’s last name. Catch the echoes of such diverse giants as Louis Armstrong, Hank Williams, Robert Johnson and Ornette Coleman in Wamble’s music, and you begin to sense the uncommonly broad pool of inspiration from which the 30-year-old guitarist, vocalist and composer draws. Read more »

Branford Marsalis has never been one to stand still. The acclaimed saxophonist forges new paths with an assurance born of lifelong dedication and keenly honed knowledge, in the company of his stunning quartet. Together they have created Footsteps of Our Fathers, a joyous homage to jazz immortals living and dead who helped shape a value system that inspires not only Branford’s playing and writing, but also his determination to ensure that true creativity will be properly documented through his new Marsalis Music label. Read more »