Buckshot LeFonque
Branford Marsalis's project fusing jazz with rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop.
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Branford Marsalis started the group Buckshot LeFonque after working with Sting and Miles Davis, aiming to blend jazz with rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop. He took the name from 'Buckshot La Funke', a pseudonym jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley once used. The project released two albums: the self-titled Buckshot LeFonque in 1994 and Music Evolution in 1997.
Background
Buckshot LeFonque began primarily as a collaboration between Branford Marsalis and DJ Premier. Marsalis moved from New York to Los Angeles in 1992 to commence work as the Musical Director on The Tonight Show, which had acquired Jay Leno as its new host. Marsalis hosted DJ Premier, as well as engineer Ben Austin, in his Los Angeles residence, and began composition on the eponymous album. He assembled a recording band primarily from the jazz players in The Tonight Show Band, which included Jeff "Tain" Watts, Robert Hurst, Kenny Kirkland, and Kevin Eubanks.
The band recorded at Sony Studios Los Angeles in the summer of 1993. The first album, Buckshot LeFonque (1994), featured mostly DJ Premier produced tracks. The follow-up Music Evolution (1997) featured mostly Frank McComb on the vocals. Other frequent collaborators were Branford Marsalis's brother and trombonist, Delfeayo Marsalis, and the rapper, Uptown (Raie Dacosta).
Did You Know?
- The name Buckshot LeFonque was derived by Marsalis from 'Buckshot La Funke', a pseudonym used for contractual reasons by jazz saxophonist Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley on the album Here Comes Louis Smith (1958).
- Guitarist Buckethead contributed to the group's studio recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Buckshot LeFonque active?
Buckshot LeFonque was active from 1993 to 2000.
Which record labels has Buckshot LeFonque released music on?
Buckshot LeFonque has released music on Columbia.
More in American Jazz Ensembles
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Buckshot LeFonque (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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