Solos That Rule: "Roxanne" Branford Marsalis with Sting

This is one of my all-time favorite saxophone performances. Here's why.
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Bob Reynolds is an American jazz saxophonist and 3x Grammy Award-winning member of Snarky Puppy. He's toured with John Mayer, Larry Carlton, and many others and released 12 solo albums-4 of which reached the Top 10 in Billboard's Jazz Charts. A pioneering educator, Bob has coached thousands of musicians through his innovative Virtual Studio. He is a D'Addario Woodwinds artist and lives with his wife and kids in Los Angeles, CA.
#branfordmarsalis #sting #sax

[@LalitMadhava]

A true teacher knows how to appreciate other teachers, great example and humility you show us

[@azraeldophoom7857]

Branford Marsalis is my favourite sax player, either soprano or tenor. Discovered him with Mo' Better Blues, then heard his version of A Love Supreme on Stolen Moments. I love this guy. Hearing him with Sting is even more outstanding. I didn't know this sketch, I thought you were going to talk about his solo in An Englishman in New York; I'm glad you didn't :) Thank you

[@nateswish]

I have always loved this solo by Branford. His tone, his articulation, his astute choice of phrases supporting Sting's vocals. A few years back, I had the chance to talk to Branford backstage after one of his concerts in Kansas City. He told me his approach at the time with this song was classically based, thus his clean, pure sound with the tasteful emotional overall feeling. I absolutely agree that Branford has one of the best soprano sounds! I love it!

[@JazzDuets]

Great Video, great subject!

[@carlosvinueza8733]

Heyyyyy😎 🔥

[@eyelidman09]

I simply loved this breakdown and analysis Bob. You’ve clearly got great respect for Branford - and rightly so. A wise move by Sting to use top jazz musicians’. I personally love the album: ‘Bring on the Night’. If only you could get Branford to talk through his ideas about this and other improvisations on your channel. Many thanks.🙏☀️👍🎷🇬🇧☀️🙏

[@Leatherfacet]

Bring on the night is one of the best live recordings ever. People who shit on Sting are clueless.

[@coreylareau6807]

@@Leatherfacet I'll second that. Back in the day, my quartet used to run Children's Crusade, and i enjoyed soprano duties. I could listen to that intense tune all day.

[@jaykay1053]

A song I’ve always loved melodically and harmonically. To see you listening to Branford helps me hear him better. Thanks.

[@bobreynolds]

So glad to hear that!

[@JulesStoop]

Branford has such amazing taste.

[@wyndhleodumegwu253]

"In my opinion", Bob is as professorial an analyst as he is an excellent depositor of great tonal quality on the soprano saxophone. His step-by-step explanation - with demonstrations - of Branford's approach is clear, easy to follow and imitate. Oh, how I love the mood created by both Bransford and Bob! I shall be revisiting Branford's soprano saxophone performances much more keenly this time around; thanks to Bob. Beginning in the late 1980's, I have been listening to Branford's solo works especially on soprano saxophone, together with those of a then 23-year-old Courtney Pine, a British soprano saxophonist who, at that time, specialized in Organic (Real) Jazz. Bob Reynolds' dexterity and crafted mood on the "straight sax" (Steve Lacy) also takes me back to listening to Oliver Nelson's composition, "Patterns" - he himself is on soprano saxophone, of course. Excelentissimo, Bob; let's have more analyses; won't we?

[@boulejazz]

Branford and Sting are magic together.

[@melchimichel3979]

Bob, it's only the screw that's broken, so you should probably be able to just swap in the screw from that clarinet ligature you showed at the start of the video (or from any other "stock" ligature).

[@bobreynolds]

Great idea!

[@zangsax]

So nice to hear an excellent player fully appreciate Branford. At every point of his career and different material I always have been blown away feeling he was just a little more musical and monstrous than people were getting.

[@jomajor8485]

Definition of a "tenor" player. Seven different, really different ligatures for the tenor. Soprano - the ligature that came in some box two decades ago....

[@bobreynolds]

😅 guilty

[@maltycultural7793]

Great point re: judicious use of vibrato. I think Branford's vibrato is my favourite of any player and yet he can be so tastefully restrained. Next level.

[@alexcostafotografia]

I dont play the sax in like 12 years now... but always good to come here and see you talk and play... keep it up man

[@rogersat]

just discovered 'I was Brought to My Senses' and Branford kills me at the end. surprised there isn't more talk of this solo.

[@jamesbeck8860]

Just saw Branford live at Pittsburgh international jazz festival and it was awesome!

[@carolynking4828]

Hi there Bob, I'm a beginner soprano sax player from the UK, just wanted to get in touch to say thank you so much for this absolutely amazing video which has been wonderfully informative and helpful to me, and a real joy to watch!! I had never heard of Branford Marsalis before, but wow what an awesome saxophonist he truly is, and such a fabulous partnership with Sting too!! I feel deeply inspired, although it is extremely early days for me as I only took up the soprano at Christmas. Such a wonderful Christmas present from my dear hubby!! I have so much to learn, and at the moment I'm trying to teach myself using "A tune a day for saxophone" which I started on with my alto back in 1982. I'm looking forward to getting together with a dear friend who is the most fabulous saxophonist, playing both alto and soprano himself for more than 30 years, he has promised to give me a little teaching sometime very soon. I'm well excited!!!!!!!!!!!!! When watching your video here it is so fabulous to have the music in front of us on screen as Branford plays, and thank you for sharing it all. Very best wishes from Carolyn

[@lucianopoleggi2189]

My favorite brad solo with sting. I Probably only understood 30% of your incredible explaining. but I still have a thrill of emotion that runs down my back for your empathy. Thanks Bob

[@MegaRas73]

I remember this at the Live Aid in 84 and it just blew me away. For me the highlight of an historical event, I'd just started playing sax and was immediately overwhelmed by Branfords soprano playing. I remember his white shell suit, he was and is so cool. Thanks Bob.

[@RCGB31]

MAGIC made by Branford ! ✨

[@jasonmingledorff4706]

Thanks for pointing out Branford's resistance to "gilding the lily" and cheesing something up!

[@becky3593]

Thank you for this! Uncanny that this week I pulled out "Nothing Like the Sun", playing repeatedly to hear craft of Sting, Branford, Mino & more

[@virgilbrown32151]

I don’t play wind instruments but loved every second of this thank you. Keen and important observations no matter your instrument!

[@kasperkat454]

“That’s the money…… Part, right there”

[@RussPaladino]

Great overview. Love that you point out the esoteric aspects along with the notes and rhythms. Anyone can just play the notes. It's all that other stuff that makes it great.

[@JJ_Photo]

Transcribed that solo years ago. But never thought about the theory behind. Thank you Bob, for explaining in details. Your channel is a wonderful source for the rest of us!

[@who_needs_a_handle]

Thanks Bob. I've always felt this about Branford's clean and effortless playing and to hear you break it down is a great insight. I'm a fellow fanboy and soprano player.

[@jokolumbi2924]

Thanks for the great explantation :) Love that solo but my favourite is still his performance in "children´s crusade - live in arnhem".

[@SaxBandits]

Thanks for highlighting this fantastic solo! A truly amazing feel and delivery.

[@prov324]

From a fellow sax man--Thanks Bob for your videos-although you are in a higher league than I am-you relate so well to sax players of all levels.

[@jamieduong6799]

Man, this is killing. Really huge fan of your analysis about music lately! Love your soprano sound, making me consider to get one during college when I can afford one. Thank you for putting such awesome content with your effort and informative videos.

[@glennmansfield3900]

Bob, fantastic break down, and an absolute joy to see how much you were enjoying the subject matter! Thanks. Keep up the awesome work.

[@emilklomberg3061]

So lovely to see how excited Bob is about the solo and the way Brandford plays phrases. It really makes me enthusiastic too and hungry to check it out myself. Great video man! Keep up the good work💪🏻

[@smoothvelvetsinger]

Great analysis👍I've played saxophone for many years, tenor mostly. Soprano has become a favorite of mine lately, I'm just totally in love with this instrument. I'm surprised it's not much more popular. At its lyrically best, it's as lovely as the finest of singing voices.

[@Thunshot]

Percy Grainger had a love for the soprano saxophone, saying it was the instrument that most closely resembled the singing human voice

[@jdmccorful]

Enjoyed your Concepts. Thanks for the listen.

[@chiphuisman9960]

100% yes! Thanks so much for explaining what's going on. Bob. I was 14 when Dream of the Blue Turtles and Bring on the Night came out and was how I was introduced to Branford. Branford's solo was the reason I picked up Soprano. Listening to his solo jazz work was my introduction to Jazz.

[@brennanharvey1593]

I'm so happy right now Bob!! I've been raving to other musos about this hidden branford gem on KZbin for years and then you come along and help point it out for everyone to enjoy! Now I have the pleasure of listening to my favourite saxophonist and soloist in the world playing one of my favourite pop solos of all time. Life doesn't get much better than this! 🎶 🎷 🤤 Thank you

[@bobreynolds]

That's awesome to hear. Thanks, Brennan!

[@beckyn9338]

This is one of my favorite YT you have done. I watch this over and over. Such greatness and I appreciate your enthusiastic and experienced analysis. So good!! 😊

[@bobreynolds]

Thank you, Becky

[@criscaceres___]

Thanks Bob, a lot of motivation come to me with these videos!

[@RJATTRILL]

The analysis on style - such as subtle use of vibrato and grace notes - is really helpful.

[@sorenfuhrer401]

That's the good stuff!!! Thank you so much, Bob.

[@tillmeiler6228]

This video is so damn true and beautiful. I always loved Branfords work since my mom introduced me to Stings solo albums, but another unbelievably great example is on "I'm a Fool to Want you" with Kurt Elling on the Upward Spiral album. Just Kurts voice and Branfords Sax-playing. His ability to deliver a songs harmony just through counter melodies... thats just the best for me. And especially - as you pointed out - on ballads and pop songs. I really enjoyed this video. If an artist I love shows his love for another artist I love. Thats great :)

[@bigredmachine1]

Bob, really like your channel!

[@augustosantos708]

man, i just love you

[@jensclarberg6419]

Love Summer Light and that album.

[@McGillMusicSaxSchool]

Wow, great breakdown and analysis Bob and your soprano sounds fantastic!

[@thepoetmao]

Thanks for the video bro. I was playing this solo on fretless bass today and I'll check what I played against your video a little later on. Cool breakdown

[@serzok1]

Great song and great information you are giving us and things to pay attention to. Thank you Mister!

[@garaumoris9893]

Thanks you Bob !! Hello from France😉

[@arthurdidio8748]

I took up the trumpet 4 years ago because it’s my favorite instrument. Watching your videos makes me wish I had chosen the sax just so I could have taken lessons with you - so insightful and enthusiastic. Love your playing too! See you at the Spud soon.

[@Eldorias]

9:17 Well that was close

[@dorianpicard9431]

You're my man ! Congrats

[@wiejetze8397]

Came by here the first time. Wasn't sure to stay till the end. But after a few minutes I was catched. Brillant lesson! Great inspiration! I'm an intermediate sax player. Started about two years ago with Alto and Soprano at the same time (couldn't decide for one of them because I love both). I was a huge fan of Sting and B. M. since decades. Loved B.'s style ever because of his taste and understatement. He's never showing off. And that's what real artists are. I hope (and I'm working on it seriously) to play at least a quarter of his (and your) level one day. I'm sixtythree and I think there are still enough years left. One of my goals before my eyes that save me from boredom. Thanks for your video! I will dig deeper for the stuff in your treasure chest recently. Cheers from Berlin

[@MARKLINMAN1]

AWESOME BREAKDOWN BOB! Thank You.

[@domg2354]

That was absolutely amazing ! I heard this masterpiece so many times and tonight I was trying to find someone on KZbin able to reproduce perfectly Marsalis interpretation. I’m speechless. You describe everything I felt. It’s certain you heard the live aids 1985, same song but another interpretation of Marsalis OMG that’s so amazing. Only one regret : Wanted to hear after the analysis, the entire cover cause you’re really the best

[@bobreynolds]

Thanks, Dom!

[@gerrycappuccio4186]

Wonderful performance & analysis !

[@NoodIndigo]

That's so interesting that you mention not playing in the first verse cause no one ever said that to me but somewhere along the line I picked up that approach because "i'm not the spotlight, I'm supporting the singer so they have to set it up by themselves first"

[@HB-ve4wi]

I heard Branford in the 1980s and bought a soprano. Got me through KG mania in the day. Thanks .. awesome video!!

[@FilipJersMusic]

Fantastic video! Thanks

[@97jallen]

This is a great vid!!! And yes!!!! Branford’s work with Sting, soprano in particular is just SOOOO good!!! It’s like every little thing about it is just perfect. I wish Branford did more pop stuff like it. Don’t get me wrong…. everything he does is great!!!

[@joncelentano]

What an excellent breakdown! I feel exactly the same way about this tune, Branford’s soprano playing and his work with Sting. Thanks for another great video!

[@mladen777]

Thank you so much for this man!

[@Asa_Morris]

as always - a class act. Thanks Bob!

[@gerardrubiano714]

Excellent 👌 Thanks Sir !!!!

[@robinreidmusic]

THANKS, BOB. As usual, taste and groove you always talk about. Love your playing and of course, the Marsalis lads are the best example of taste and chops, and when to use the chops or not, to ultimately, support the musicality of the song. Keep up the great work and keeping the saxophone alive. Cheers

[@bobreynolds]

Thanks, Robin!

[@DiegoErnestoGarcia]

Yeeah!!! Always waiting for a new vlog of you!!!

[@raimonds.petrovskis]

Always liked this solo. Great analysis! 👍

[@johnseaman7328]

Thank You! Fantastic analysis and review! this helps a lot in regards to feel and notes

[@skippruitt2391]

Allow the singer to set up the song with the first verse. Then enter in the second verse and begin to color the song with notes and a feel that will complement the mood of the song. A lot of saxophone players over play when accompanying a vocalist. Brandford is a master at doing it the right way!

[@3163steve]

Wonderful look at a beautiful piece of music. Your passion is the key. Thank you. I hope to rejoin your studio.

[@themaineventband]

Excellent analysis! You have a great soprano sound.

[@Acid4blood75]

Great video Bob!!

[@tommeggison1466]

Bravo !

[@jojopt2]

Great video! Thanks so much!

[@nora1172]

Wow 😁🔥Amazing, even so I don’t play the sax 🎷 it feels like I would have to when I hear this explanation. Such great part of music and sax part in it and your motivation and energy to present it💪🏻👌

[@jackpot760603]

Your video shows the great respect and worship for Branford. I would love to hear both of you together in a concert. That would be perfect. And by the way, how you transcriped this solo, didn’t know that this difficult work can look so easily 😉🎷

[@nigelworwood8530]

They have got you go along and double ... it sounds great.

[@AlanSamuel]

superb analysis! Superb sax player! but most impressive, is that Marsalis himself does not even think of all this theory behind what he plays. Everything he plays comes out of his soul, raw as could be. All this finesse and sophistication is within him. Immense talent! Thanks for this video

[@francistaylor5097]

Wow....what a great breakdown, Bob. I've wanted to branch into Soprano for ages and I think you may have given me an excuse to get going. Thank you.

[@MrGuto]

thanks for the awesome analysis! very informative.

[@GabrielBelloMusic]

Nice Boston Sax plug in the box there 😁

[@BobbyLee9676]

OH, MY, this is awesome. All of your videos have been so helpful! The Ligature scene, though, I guess we all have "the box". I was rifling through "the box" before a gig and my wife said, "oh, no, what broke?" haha👏👍

[@KrisVComm]

What a killing tutorial! Thank you

[@markusguler7079]

Just a delight, thanks for this video. Btw: I love your sound, also on soprano!

[@jazzhab1]

stumbled onto this video today and so glad I did! Great playing and love the detailed explanations. I subscribed👍🏼

[@bobreynolds]

thanks!

[@petertrotman763]

Excellent breakdown Bob. Branford's phrasing on this song could also be linked to his classical training, so lyrical. My favorite soprano sax player was/is Wayne Shorter because he was such an incredible composer he understood scales better than anyone. He was always mindful of his choice notes and had little to no vibrato. Cheers.

[@joeyrchapa]

Thanks!! 🔥🎷

[@daltonfreire6328]

Your analisis of this solo is very good full of important details that makes the diferença in every piece of músic Thanks for these tips. I love Brandfird sound and improvisation approach and inteligence

[@68caribou]

:: I've listened to a lot of cover and I always come back to your video :) !!!! ::

[@falschnehmung]

... wow - what a lesson !!! Tnx !

[@Giaco54]

this was great - really enjoyed it - thanks for the post - new fan -

[@bobreynolds]

Awesome, thank you!

[@fileundervalued]

Great video. I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but the "original" time they did this on the "Bring On The Night" album/video is amazing too.

[@lucavince]

Awesome video and analysis. BTW His solo on " Children's crusade " from Bring On The Night is one of my favorites like for ever!!!!! Not to mention the sound!!! Thanks!

[@clarker1911]

Killer Video!

[@musicmanson]

Intent is everything

[@apistosig4173]

Bob - yeah - Branford is beautiful here.

[@cheknfaks]

I'm trying to learn jazz on alto and tenor sax and started playing the beginning of this year. I appreciate how you broke it down, made it easier to understand and this was vey helpful in gaining some knowledge I needed. Great teachings Bob. Thanks!

[@davidpinto2197]

Great take Bob... I'm going to transcribe the solo and learn it on bass for it's melodicism. I'm sure Janek would agree...good idea.

[@miguelmaldonado6049]

I’ve just discovered your channel. Wow!!! just a great place for all of us that love ❤️ Music and mainly Jazz ! I’m starting to watch your work with John Mayer . Did I miss the Branford Marsalis solo with Sting in English man in New York? All the best!!

[@sergej100qca4]

I love these solo breakdown videos! I would love to see one of Mark Turner's solos (maybe on Skylark or You Know I Care).

[@anthonysilva5312]

Really enjoyed this video. I absolutely love stings work when he did the jazzy stuff with Kenny Kirkland, Omar Hakim et al. It would’ve been great to hear you playing the harmonies when you were talking about juxtaposing those melodic cells over various chords.