All press News

Branford's Tribute to Alvin Batiste

Date: 03.01.2008
Publication: Jazz Times
Author: Branford Marsalis

ALVIN BATISTE (1932-2007) Like many of the guys from his generation, Alvin played everything but was classically trained, so all of his music was informed by that classical training. When Larry Combs, the retiring principal clarinetist in the Chicago Symphony, was in New Orleans for a while, Alvin asked him for a lesson. Larry told Alvin to play something, and Alvin played a bit of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto. After listening, Larry said, “That’s great. Do you play jazz, too?” After he heard Bat play a few songs, he then said, “There’s nothing I can teach you, but thanks for stopping by.”
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Submitted by Ben on March 1st, 2008 — 12:00am

Chris Rose: All Star weekend proves we still throw the best party

Chris Rose, The Times-Picayune

Maybe some folks are getting tired of the New Orleans self-love thing. Maybe some folks feel like they’re going to scream if they hear one more time how much more interesting this place is than anywhere else in America.

I’m not one of those people. And I don’t think anyone at the New Orleans Arena Sunday night was either. And I really can’t imagine anyone watching it on TV could think so either. Read more »

Submitted by crwadmin on February 19th, 2008 — 12:00am

Branford Marsalis, Harry Connick Jr. to Headline NBA All-Star Weekend Show

Date: 02.12.2008
Publication: Jazz Times
Author: Jeff Tamarkin

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Submitted by Ben on February 12th, 2008 — 12:00am

NBA All-Star Game to Include Three Days of Musical Acts

Date: 02.11.2008
Publication: The Associated Press

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Submitted by Ben on February 11th, 2008 — 12:00am

New Recordings: Bob French

Date: 01.06.2008
Publication: The Philadelphia Inquirer
Author: Karl Stark


(Marsalis Music ***)

The generations conjoin on this stacked Dixieland recording. The tribute goes to longtime New Orleans drummer Bob French, who runs the city’s longest continuing band, the Original Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, nearing a full century of performance. (The band was run for many years by his banjo-playing father, Albert “Papa” French.)

Bob French is a righteous player even the hurricane couldn’t wash away. The supporting cast tips you to his importance: Pianist Harry Connick plays the whole set; so does saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
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Submitted by Ben on January 6th, 2008 — 12:00am