Jazz News

December 21, 2014

‘In My Solitude: Live at Grace Cathedral'

Tribune Review
Bob Karlovits

Everything about Branford Marsalis' “In My Solitude” is excellent — or better. From the tone and improvisation of his play to high-quality recording that makes metallic clicking of his keys clear, the album is marvelous. It features a solo Marsalis offering music that is as new as four improvisations by him and as old as a sonata from C.P.E. Bach (1714-88). Of the four improvisations, No. 1 has the feeling of a piece from an etude book but with a modern flavor. He also offers a great bit of new playing on “Blues for One.” The only curious part of it is one section where it sounds like he has wandered away from the microphone. His version of “Stardust” opens with a wonderfully complex examination of the theme that makes it easy to tell what song he is working toward. But it takes a delightful bit of play before he gets to it. He closes the album with the old Carol Burnett theme, “I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together.” So are your listeners, Branford.