review for Branford Marsalis: The Music Tells You on AllMovie

Some reviewers were puzzled that this documentary on the life and career of the still relatively young jazz and classical musician Branford Marsalis was made at all. How does he qualify for legend status? They seem to resent the fact that he was a well-paid performer almost from the moment he set foot on stage. In fact, given the generally obscure U.S. careers of even the most celebrated American jazz performers today, it is something of a miracle that he has not only achieved wide name recognition as a musical celebrity, but has been able to earn a fine living as something other than a studio musician or a university instructor. These facts alone probably justify the existence of the documentary, if only as a way of attempting to promote jazz in the country of its origin. This documentary features a great deal of interview and backstage time with the saxophonist, who was performing internationally with his trumpet-playing brother Wynton Marsalis when they were both in their teens. At the time this film was made, Branford was the orchestra leader for the band on The Tonight Show. Also featured are performances with his group, clips of his performances with Sting, and his celebrity appearances.