Touring Australia to promote their latest album, Metamorphosen, the Branford Marsalis Quartet played almost two hours of the most beautifully crafted and technically brilliant traditional jazz; perfectly suited to the open acoustic environment of Hamer Hall.

The quartet consisted of Branford Marsalis on alto, tenor and soprano saxophone, Eric Revis on double bass, Joey Calderazzo on piano, and new recruit Justin Faulkner on the drums. Marsalis emphasized the relaxed atmosphere created by the band as he wandered behind bass player Eric Revis and sat on a stool to take in the other members’ solos. Certainly, one of the highlights was an original composition by Calderazzo called Hope, which featured Marsalis on soprano saxophone and a beautiful unaccompanied piano solo from Calderazzo.

The concert culminated in a rendition of a Thelonious Monk tune, 52nd Street, featuring an explosive and energetic solo from 18-year-old Justin Faulkner. While the drum solo showed off some of Faulkner’s blistering technique, his drumming on a Henry Purcell composition revealed his ability to exploit the use of dynamics and sweeping cymbal rolls to accentuate the solos of Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo.

After such a breathtaking series of tunes the crowd demanded an encore and Marsalis and his quartet delivered once again with a laid back New Orleans style version of St Louis Blues that had you swinging all the way back home.

The dynamic and technical ability of these musicians cannot be overstated. Their ability to interact and compliment each others playing whilst creating many individual highlights is remarkable.

This was one of those gigs that leave you with your jaw hanging open and wishing you could watch and listen all night. Whether you are a jazz lover or not, to be able to witness such amazing musicians is an absolute privilege and utterly inspiring.