Metamorphosen

Jazz | May 2009

Reviews

Fo
Reviewed 2009-05-24
BRANFORD MARSALIS QUARTET: Metamorphosen
Marsalis Music, 2009

MODERN BOP – Here’s another nice CD from one of the more highly regarded groups in the jazz mainstream. Branford plays soprano, alto and tenor sax, mixing up the quartet sound just a little. Every member of the group contributes quality compositions; mostly bop ‘n’ ballads with a few change-ups. Nothing groundbreaking, but all very solid.

* * * * | Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9

1. 5:58 – uptempo, hopping postbop: sax, piano dig in over locomotive rhythm
2. 8:53 – gentle, melancholy: aching solos over low gusts of rhythm… nice!
3. 5:17 – jaunty bop, twisty melodic line, maintains a steady pace
4. 5:22 – deliberate, uncomfortable: strained pace and odd, analytical melody
5. 8:05 – Thelonious Monk bop, odd rhythmic twists, straightforward solos
6. 6:16 – oblique Monk tribute, clomping rhythm, easy-strolling solos
7. 8:30 – serene ballad: sad soprano sax, lovely bittersweet piano
8. 3:16 – solo bass melody with odd discordant interruptions, gets agitated
9. 10:29 – sneaky bass/drum riff: soprano sax, piano slip ‘n’ slide on top

[ Fo ] 05/24/09

Recent airplay

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music casaroleAug 15, 2009
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Charting

2009-05-24 — 2009-07-26 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Jul 19 1
Jul 12 1
Jun 14 1
May 31 1

Track listing

1. The Return Of The Jitney Man
2. The Blossom Of Parting
3. Jabberwocky
4. Abe Vigoda
5. Rhythm-A-Ning
6. Sphere
7. The Last Goodbye
8. And Then, He Was Gone
9. Samo ©