BRANFORD MARSALIS

UPWARD SPIRAL

2LP
GF

Upward Spiral, is the new album of the Branford Marsalis Quartet with special guest Kurt Elling.Every track on Upward Spiral confirms the beyond-category strengths of both the Quartet and Elling. For Marsalis, Upward Spiral is consistent with all of his previous music. "My philosophy of jazz is that it should be about strong melodies and a great beat, and every song here has a melody that you can hold in your mind, that you can sing."

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  • 180 gram audiophile vinyl
  • Gatefold sleeve
  • brand new album
Catalog # : MOVLP1729 Format : 2 LP, 180 gram Releasedate : July 11 2016
Barcode : 8719262001923 Sleeve : Gatefold Original Release : 2016 

It is no secret that the Branford Marsalis Quartet can be as freewheeling off the bandstand as in performance. Saxophonist Marsalis, pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner are each bold personalities with strong opinions, equally intense in both musical and verbal exchanges. "The band talks about all kinds of things, many of which are unprintable," Marsalis admits. "But we have serious musical debates as well." One of these conversations led to Upward Spiral, the new album with special guest Kurt Elling.

When Branford met Kurt at a Thelonious Monk Institute competition, they had a conversation at the bar about doing a record together. What has emerged, after an intense week of performance and recording in New Orleans, is a collection that blends Songbook staples, jazz standards, and standards-to-be from a diverse array of composers.

Every track on Upward Spiral confirms the beyond-category strengths of both the Quartet and Elling.

For Marsalis, Upward Spiral is consistent with all of his previous music. "My philosophy of jazz is that it should be about strong melodies and a great beat, and every song here has a melody that you can hold in your mind, that you can sing."

Side A

1. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York
2. Blue Gardenia
3. From One Island to Another

Side B

1. Practical Arrangement
2. Doxy
3. I'm A Fool to Want You

Side C

1. West Virginia Rose
2. Só Tinha de Ser Com Você
3. Momma Said
4. Cassandra song

Side D

1. Blue Velvet
2. The Return (Upward Spiral)