Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo To Perform At The Hobby Center

Publication: MusicDoingGood.org
Date: February 15, 2012

NEA Jazz Master, saxophonist and nine-time Grammy® Award Winner Branford Marsalis joins pianist Joey Calderazzo live, on-stage on March 23, 2012, 8 pm at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall, 800 Bagby St., 77002. The concert is comprised of selections from their latest CD release, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy. This performance is one in a series of four benefit concerts for Music Doing Good in Schools, an innovative, interdisciplinary, musical arts, after-school enrichment program for students ages 7 to 18 who want to take their skills to a higher level. Ticket proceeds also go to support Music Doing Good’s Musical Instrument Aid and Scholarship Fund.

Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo have mesmerized audiences with their passionate and profound collaboration since the release of their latest album, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy (© Marsalis Music, 2011). The duo rose out of the Marsalis quartet, creating music that is intimate and elevates each artist to another level. As Calderazzo explains it, “The duo originated when Branford and I would play a couple of numbers at celebrity golf tournaments. But we really took it to another level at the 2009 Newport Jazz Festival, where we played four tunes in a short set and the interaction was really happening. That’s when we decided to record.” The intricate interplay between the piano and saxophone create a brilliant and captivating conversation, which is more like classical chamber music than traditional Jazz music. “I have only played duo with Harry [Connick, Jr.], my dad [Ellis Marsalis] and Joey,” remarks Branford, “and with Joey I can go in different directions.” The collaboration has ignited a creative spark in both musicians.

With the continued cutting of music programs across the country at every education level, students are lacking in an area that could help them socially, academically and dramatically improve their developmental and life skills. Music Doing Good in Schools is designed to enlighten, motivate and stimulate student creativity using a diversified approach, which brings together music, dance and theater to support core curriculum learning such as math and science in a challenging, interactive and engaging environment where students work in harmony to create a live musical production that is presented at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Zilkha Hall on May 10, 2012.

Music Doing Good, Inc. is a 501 c3 performing arts organization whose mission is philanthropy through music. Through world-class concert events and music education programs, we generate friends and funds for outstanding non-profits working in health, education, music and children’s charities, enabling patrons to give back to the community.