Branford becomes host of NPR series “JazzSet”

Branford becomes the host of "JazzSet," a weekly NPR series produced by WBGO (88.3 FM) which features live performances by renowned jazz artists, from Nancy Wilson and Lou Rawls to Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard, throughout the world in esteemed venues and festivals

The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is released

 Produced by Delfeayo Marsalis, the CD highlights Branford in a trio setting for the first time since Trio Jeepy. Joined by Hurst and Watts, Branford has special guest performances by saxophonist Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis. 

Two Grammy nominations

Branford earns two Grammy nominations: "Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Soloist" for Crazy People Music and "Best Instrumental Performance, Group" for music from Spike Lee's "Mo' Better Blues," featuring the Branford Marsalis Quartet with Terence Blanchard. Both albums were released in the summer of '90.

Gangstarr collaboration

"Jazz Thing," a rap performed by Gangstarr over the closing credits of Spike Lee's movie "Mo' Better Blues," is issued as a single. Co-written by Branford Marsalis and co-produced with DJ Premiere, "Jazz Thing" merges rap and jazz for the first time in a successful synergy introducing a new approach to music.

Crazy People Music is released

The Russia House soundtrack

Branford is the featured performer on the score and the soundtrack album of Australian movie director Fred Schepsi's film, "The Russia House," featuring Sean Connery.

Trio Jeepy Grammy nomination and other events

Trio Jeepy is nominated for a Grammy for "Best Instrumental Performance" in both the Soloist and Group categories. 

Branford maintains busy schedule playing national anthem at NBA All-Star game, performing at Rain Forest benefit in Los Angeles and narrating a special Black History Month series for NPR entitled "Bass Lines: The Reflections of Milt Hinton."