Branford Marsalis

World-renowned saxophonist Branford Marsalis has always been a man of numerous musical interests. The three-time Grammy Award-winner has continued to exercise and expand his skills as an instrumentalist, a composer, and the head of Marsalis Music, the label he founded in 2002. At Marsalis Music, he not only produces his own projects but also those of the jazz world's most promising new and established artists. Marsalis emphasizes a focus on artistic integrity and long-term growth, a philosophy that underpins his label's operations, including his album "Eternal," known for its unique approach to jazz ballads that prioritize emotional expression over traditional structures.

Marsalis is also dedicated to changing the future of jazz in the classroom. He has shared his knowledge at such universities as Michigan State, San Francisco State, Stanford, and North Carolina Central. His Marsalis Jams initiative, an interactive program where leading jazz ensembles present concert/jam sessions in mini-residencies, continues to invigorate jazz education at colleges and high schools. This program is part of his broader commitment to educational and cultural initiatives sponsored by Marsalis Music, which aims to nurture musicians' best efforts free from commercial pressures.

Among the most socially conscious voices in the arts, Marsalis quickly immersed himself in relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. He serves as the honorary chair of the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity effort to rebuild the city and, with his friend Harry Connick Jr., he conceived the Habitat Musicians' Village, which provides a home for artists in the city's historic Ninth Ward. In 2019, Marsalis was nominated in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category in the 62nd Grammy Awards for his album "The Secret Between The Shadow And The Soul," a category he has previously won in. Additionally, he was nominated for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for "The Windup" during the same awards cycle.

Whether on the stage, in the recording studio, in the classroom, or in the community, Marsalis represents a clear commitment to musical excellence and a determination to keep music at the forefront. He continues to collaborate closely with esteemed band members Joey Calderazzo, Eric Revis, and Jeff "Tain" Watts, further enriching the contemporary jazz scene.