The next track, 'Hesitation,' lives up to its name with an opening sequence of stylish syncopation and Branford's seamless chromaticism. 'I truly wasn't thinking about it consciously.' Hyped way up at a rapid-fire tempo, the piece is a virtual clinic on melodic deconstruction and saxophonic intuition. 'The Dark Keys,' which opens the album, begins with an unintentional nod to 'A Love Supreme,' John Coltrane's classic composition from the 60's. The name is a product of Branford's legendary-and decidedly acerbic-sense of humor. Adding even more drama, saxophone greats Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett joined Marsalis for a pair of horn duets on THE DARK KEYS. As before, Marsalis teamed with his long-time drummer Jeff 'Tain' Watts, while bringing in Reginald Veal as the band's new bassist. Produced by Delfeayo Marsalis, THE DARK KEYS is Branford's first recording in the jazz trio format since his acclaimed 1993 album Bloomington. For any remaining skeptics, Branford offers his new Columbia album, THE DARK KEYS, a wonderment of texture, mood, and air-tight ensemble performance. To get the nuances of either takes a long time.' Anyone acquainted with the music of Branford Marsalis would agree that he's put in the time and won the battle. 'I find golf is a lot like music,' he says. Yet that's where he's likely to be found these days as he pursues a new-found passion for golf. Somehow it's hard to picture: Branford Marsalis, the roaring lion of the saxophone, out on the links wielding a putter.

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