All press News

GMU Presents An Evening With Branford Marsalis

Publication: Fairfax News
Date: September 21, 2011

Known for his unmatched technique, forward-thinking approach and incredible versatility, three-time Grammy-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis is a member of the first family of jazz and has performed with many 20th century jazz giants, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Sonny Rollins. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts presents “An Evening with Branford Marsalis,” featuring a program of original compositions and modern jazz standards, at the Concert Hall on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011 at 8 p.m.

Rounding out the Branford Marsalis Quartet are pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on September 21st, 2011 — 10:21am

Dolls, books give glimpse of historic New Orleans

Publication: Associated Press
Author: Chevel Johnson 
Date: September 19, 2011

New Orleans’ rich melting-pot history has always been a big draw for authors.

But telling it through the eyes of two antebellum 9-year-old girls — one black, one white — offers unusual perspectives on life’s challenges in the mid-19th century.

American Girl Brand LLC, a subsidiary of toy giant Mattel Inc., usually introduces its dolls (and the book characters based on them) one at a time.

In August, the company launched two — called Cecile Rey and Marie-Grace Gardner — along with a six-book series set in New Orleans that details their fictional lives, friendship, and tests they and family members face in dealing with the spread of yellow fever in 1853. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on September 20th, 2011 — 02:54pm

Jazz on WGBH with Eric Jackson: Spotlight on Branford Marsalis

Check out Eric Jackson’s Jazz on WGBH episode highlighting the music of Branford Marsalis. Listen here. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on September 16th, 2011 — 12:09pm

Miguel Zenón: Alma Adentro Featured on WBGO's The Checkout

Miguel Zenón and host Josh Jackson talk about Miguel’s latest project on The Checkout. Miguel’ discusses his personal connections to the songs featured on the album and the histories of the original composers. Check out the interview here. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on September 16th, 2011 — 10:34am

Branford Marsalis: The Problem With Jazz

Publication: The Seattle Weekly
As Told By: Chris Kornelis
Date: September 14, 2011

The following is edited from an interview with jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis, whose latest album, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, is a collaboration with pianist Joey Calderazzo.

You put on old records and they always sound better. Why are they better? I started listening to a lot of classical music, and that really solidified the idea that the most important and the strongest element of music is the melodic content. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on September 14th, 2011 — 11:48am