Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis: “A Special Duo Occasion” Added to Kimmel Center Presents 2005/06 Season
August 17, 2005
Jazz piano sensation Harry Connick, Jr. and the legendary jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis will bring their “A Special Duo Occasion” instrumental tour to the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater on September 27, 2005 at 7:30pm Alto-saxophonist Miguel Zenon, known for his jazz/Latin fusion style, will open for the duo.
Tickets for “A Special Duo Occasion” with Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis on September 27 are priced at $60, $45 and $20, and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply).
Jazz pianist, singer, composer, and actor Harry Connick, Jr. made his mark in the music and film world with his performances on the 1989 When Harry Met Sally film soundtrack. Even before the Hollywood film brought him world-wide fame, he was beginning to turn heads in the jazz circles of New York City. Born in New Orleans, Connick, Jr. brought the grit and soul of his native city to his distinct jazz sound and, after moving to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music, was signed by Columbia Records. His first self-titled album led to performances in New York City and his eventual work on the When Harry Met Sally soundtrack. Connick, Jr. is known for his versatility as a performer. Although known primarily as a jazz artist, Connick, Jr. seasons his jazz with influences from the crooners of the 1940s, the funk sounds of the 50s and the tradition of blues.
Now, after twenty albums, thirteen film roles, and appearances on various television shows, including Will and Grace, Connick, Jr. continues to expand his versatility with his newest collaborative album with friend and fellow jazz sensation, saxophonist Branford Marsalis. Although Occasion lacks Connick’s well-known sultry voice, the album gains a sense of stripped-down intimacy; each saxophone-piano duo is an instrumental conversation between friends. With tracks composed by both Connick, Jr. and Marsalis, Occasion is a demonstration and reminder of both Connick and Marsalis’ versatility as artists, and their intrinsic sense of communication through music.
Grammy Award-winning jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis shares Connick, Jr.’s diverse talent and enthusiasm, approaching music in a variety of directions. The producer, performer, and composer hails from a legendary jazz family, and yet retains his own distinct reputation as a jazz artist in his own right. Marsalis is known equally for his stunning performances on the soprano saxophone and his experiments in the classical world of music, performing with the American chamber orchestra Orpheus on his 2001 CD Creation. Marsalis also remains devoted to music education, and he and his quartet are currently Artists in Residence at North Carolina Central University. Marsalis’ launch of his new record label—the Marsalis Music label—attests to his belief in breaking barriers for jazz musicians, and encouraging experimentation and communication between genres.
Harry Connick, Jr. and Marsalis’ intimate “A Special Duo Occasion” performance at the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater will feature selections from their critically acclaimed duo instrumental CD Occasion.
Alto saxophonist Miguel Zenon and his quartet, featuring pianist Perdomo, bassist Hans Glawischnig and drummer Sanchéz, will open for Connick, Jr. and Marsalis. Zenon is known for his fusion of jazz, Latin, classical and folk influences and has performed with well-renowned jazz musicians, including Danilo Perez and Brian Lynch.
Tickets for “A Special Duo Occasion” featuring Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis with Miguel Zenon on September 27 are priced at $60, $45 and $20, and can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online, or at the Kimmel Center box office, open daily from 10am to 6pm and later on performance evenings. (Additional fees may apply). For group sales call 215-790-5883.
A limited number of $10 tickets are available for every Kimmel Center Presents performance at the Kimmel Center. Tickets go on sale the day of the event and can be purchased at the Kimmel Center box office beginning 2.5 hours prior to evening performances and 11:30am for matinees.
Sponsors of the 2005/2006 Kimmel Center Presents season include University of Pennsylvania Health Care System, Mellon Financial Corporation, Sovereign Bank, The American Express Company, and Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Kimmel Center Presents. Toyota is the Official Vehicle of Kimmel Center Presents.
KIMMEL CENTER PRESENTS
September 27, 2005
Perelman Theater
Harry Connick, Jr.-piano
Branford Marsalis-soprano saxophone
Miguel Zenon-alto saxophone
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