Eternal finds saxophonist
Branford Marsalis in a contemplative mood performing a mix of original and standard ballads with his usual quartet of pianist
Joey Calderazzo, bassist
Eric Revis, and drummer
Jeff "Tain" Watts. The title track, written for his wife Nicole, is a hushed and cerebral affair, but never feels anything but warm. Similarly, the lead-off track, "The Ruby and the Pearl," contains the faint blush of
Ellington-ian exoticism and "Gloomy Sunday" brings to mind the rumbling and atmospheric late-'60s work of longtime
Marsalis touchstone
John Coltrane. The album, his second solo outing for his Marsalis Music label, is dedicated in memory to a list of people one can only assume were as influential musically on
Marsalis as emotionally. Among them are bassist
Malachi Favors, drummer
Elvin Jones, saxophonist
Steve Lacy, and the one and only
Ray Charles. Their spirits are palpable here as
Marsalis and his band have clearly documented a handful of quietly beautiful and deeply moving performances. ~ Matt Collar