Branford Marsalis

The release benefits not only from its musicians but also from its environment. Recorded at the Hayti Center in Durham, North Carolina, the acoustics are excellent; the tenor saxophone's warmth is almost tangible on "Precious" and the piano's skittering keys like diamond studded tap shoes on "Bri's Dance." In the end, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy is exceptional when savored; documenting the communication between two musicians and their ability to express emotion through their music. - Mark F. Turner, All About Jazz

PERSONNEL:

BRANFORD MARSALIS, saxophones
JOEY CALDERAZZO,  piano.

Recorded at Hayti Center, Durham, NC,
January 3-5, 2010.

Tracks:

01. One Way
02. The Bard Larchrymose
03. La Valse Kendall
04. Face On the Barroom Floor
05. Endymio
06. Die Trauernd
07. Hope
08. Precious
09. Bri's Dance.