Branford Marsalis’s debut as a leader is ambitious yet consistently successful. “Scenes of the City”, originally released in 1994, is Branford first solo project. The music is in the modern mainstream vein with Marsalis (on tenor and soprano) hinting strongly at Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane, along with a touch of Sonny Rollins. The backup crew includes such notable young lions as pianist Mulgrew Miller and Kenny Kirkland, bassist Charnett Moffett, and drummers Jeff “Tain” Watts and Marvin “Smitty” Smith in addition to bassist Ron Carter. It’s an impressive start to a notable career. 1. No Backstage Pass 2. Scenes In the City 3. Solstice 4. Waiting For Tain 5. No Sidestepping 6. Parable
