Branford Marsalis @ Norwich Cathedral
A night of sophisticated, tasteful music
As an event they don’t come much more unique than one of the world’s leading saxophonists performing solo in the awesome surrounds of Norwich Cathedral. This is exactly the kind of event that the Norfolk & Norwich Festival brings and it was pleasing to see that a large crowd had gathered to witness this one off performance. Ever since Branford has been playing professionally he has pushed the boundaries of what can be expected of a jazz musician, and it is with this sense of adventure that he arrived to play an evening of jazz and classical pieces.
Using the natural acoustics of the cathedral Branford was able to fill the enormous space with ease. The audience seemed utterly transfixed. Hearing an excerpt from Bach’s Cello Suite was incredibly impressive; to hear classical music written for cello played on the saxophone absolutely showed the versatility and enormous skill of the man. During the first half of the evening I found myself admiring and appreciating the music and it’s always a privilege to watch a world class musician performing, but I wasn’t necessarily moved by the music - I didn’t particularly feel any emotional connection. After a short interval the second half began with a lengthy piece that was complex and involved, and I was immediately more connected than I had been previously. A piece of Japanese classical music followed, at times single notes were sustained and it felt as though you could almost see them floating up towards the ceiling. Whether playing soprano, alto or tenor sax every piece was completely different from what had gone before. When the main set ended loud applause and cheering rang out and Branford returned for a run through of that most standard of standards When The Saints Go Marching In, which he played with an almost Coltrane twist to it, adding his own phrases around the familiar melody. It was a lovely playful way to end the evening.
This was a night of sophisticated, tasteful music played by an incredibly talented and humble man. I would have loved to have heard him explain why some of the pieces had been chosen, or his thoughts on the venue but it really was a thoroughly enjoyable evening which absolutely ticked the box marked ‘something different’.
@StuPres
