Saxophonists

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Crazy Walk, a compilation of recordings by saxophonist Tab Smith.

Branford Marsalis was born into one of the great jazz families: his father is pianist Ellis and his brother is trumpet player Wynton Marsalis. He has a new album, Eternal, on Rounder Records. (This interview first aired Oct. 21, 2002.)

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis. He's just released "Footsteps of Our Fathers," the debut release on the artist's own Marsalis Music label. In the nearly two decades that he has released solo albums, he's won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for a third in 1995. He was the first band leader for Jay Leno's "The Tonight Show" and appeared on the show from 1992-1995. In addition to the solo and ensemble records he's released, Marsalis has participated in various film scores as both composer and featured soloist.

Jazz musician James Moody. Just after World War II, Moody joined the bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie and played with Milt Jackson. His most famous recording is of an improvisatory piece he performed in 1949, now known as "Moody's Mood For Love." Terry talked to him in 1996, about his CD, "Young At Heart," (Warner Brothers) which had just been released. It is a collection of Frank Sinatra tunes. In this CD, MOODY performed as vocalist, tenor/alto/soprano saxist and flutist.

Johnson tells us about his experiences playing in churches, where some people think of the saxophone as the devil's instrument.

Musician Maceo Parker is best known as the saxophonist who played with James Brown. His on again off again association with Brown began in 1964. He's got several albums of his own, as well as collaborations with others. Parker is currently on tour. (Rebroadcast from 10/2/90)

Last year, Terry talked to him about his then new CD, "Young At Heart". It is a collection of Frank Sinatra tunes. Just after World War II, Moody joined the bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie and played with Milt Jackson. His most famous recording is of an improvisatory piece he performed in 1949, now known as "Moody's Mood For Love." (REBROADCAST FROM JULY 23, 1996)

Johnston is best known for his work with the Microscopic Septet from 1980 to 1992. His latest band, Big Trouble, has just released the album, "Flood At The Ant Farm." He has a reputation as one of contemporary music's most versatile composers. In addition to playing the saxophone, Johnston has a growing interest in scoring music for film, T.V., and radio programs. He has written the theme music for "Fresh Air." He has also written music for other NPR programs, MTV, and Comedy Central.

Moody's new CD, "Young At Heart" is a collection of Frank Sinatra tunes. Just after World War II, Moody joined the bebop big band of Dizzy Gillespie and played with Milt Jackson. His most famous recording is of an improvisatory piece he performed in 1949, now known as "Moody's Mood For Love." In the new CD, Moody performs as vocalist, tenor/alto/soprano saxist and flutist. He talks about his career and how his hearing problems have affected his career.

Maceo Parker is best known as the saxophonist who played with James Brown. His on again off again association with Brown began in 1964. Parker's latest album is "Roots Revisited;" It's soft jazz and funky soul. (On the Verve label). (REBROADCAST. Originally aired 10/2/90).