Publication: Seattle Weekly Blog
Author: Chris Kornelis
Date: February 15, 2012
Last year, Branford Marsalis told Seattle Weekly about “The Problem With Jazz”: why old records sound better than new ones, why the genre feels too much like an exclusive club, and how there’s so little good jazz these days that when he hears something good, “it shocks me.” The interview went viral, sparking myriad Internet debates.
At the time of our interview, Marsalis was headed to Jazz Alley with his band in support of Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, the phenomenal record he made with his piano player, Joey Calderazzo. The duo have played precious few shows on their own, but one of the few dates they have booked is at the Portland Jazz Festival on Sunday, February 26. And if you want to hear again about his problems with jazz, Marsalis will be interviewed on Saturday the 25th as part of the festival.
Expect both performances to be fiery, and well worth the drive—or Amtrak ride.
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