Thurs., Jan. 31, Branford Marsalis

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is the eldest brother in the New Orleans clan sired by pianist Ellis that includes trumpeter Wynton, trombonist Delfeayo and drummer Jason. Branford splashed onto the jazz radar in 1980 touring with bebop godfather Art Blakey and has worked with Herbie Hancock, John Lee Hooker and Sting. He is also a former leader of The Tonight Show Band. His current quartet—featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner—is a crisp, fluid, straight-ahead affair that brings a signature intensity to even ballads. It's album, Four MFs Playin' Tunes was iTunes' Best Instrumental Jazz Album of 2012. 10 College Parkway in Folsom, www.branfordmarsalis.net.