Branford Marsalis
Branford Marsalis, solo
Branford Marsalis became a jazz star in the 1980s on the strength of his brash and fiery improvisational flights. But the virtuoso’s projects also display a unique talent for melodic invention. Now Marsalis takes the ultimate step toward concert intimacy, shedding all accompaniment for his debut solo performance at Grace Cathedral. It’s a match made in heaven – a supremely gifted soloist and the hallowed halls where Duke Ellington premiered his Concert of Sacred Music in 1965. Branford joins an exalted constellation of saxophone legends who’ve performed solo in the resonant sanctuary as part of the SFJAZZ Sacred Space series since 1986, including Joe Henderson, Jackie McLean, Charles Lloyd, Steve Lacy, Pharoah Sanders, Dewey Redman and others. In many ways Marsalis is heir to their lineage, yet there is no doubt this performance will be a singular listening experience.






