Branford Marsalis was raised on jazz.
An internationally renowned saxophonist, Marsalis — who is the oldest of four musical brothers and son of a jazz legend — is bringing his signature sound to Memorial Hall for the second time this season.
Marsalis will join the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra, playing both the alto and tenor saxophone.
The jazz great rehearsed together with the ensemble for the first time Monday.
“He makes it sound as though he’s been practicing with us for years,” said Jim Ketch, the orchestra’s music director and a UNC music professor.
The orchestra will play selections from the likes of Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and many other notable jazz musicians.
Ketch said that Marsalis hardly ever plays on alto saxophone when he is not recording classical music. Marsalis’ alto saxophone solos would be a treat for the audience, he said.
“To me, they were almost the highlights of the rehearsal the other night,” Ketch said.
Ketch said that he thinks the collaboration will be a great experience. The orchestra offers Marsalis a big band sound, and his reputation could open doors to a new demographic for the orchestra itself.