Happy Birthday, Branford!  I can say without qualification that Branford Marsalis has been one of the biggest influences on me as a musician, from how to play and what to play, to how to be and how to live. I've seen him many times over the years, including his most recent stint here in Seattle, and I'm always reinvigorated, inspired, and humbled by his playing and his band.  I feel lucky and privileged to have been able to get to know him. As per my usual birthday drill, I've collected a number of videos from YouTube for your viewing pleasure, but I'm also providing my short list of "Required Branford" -- if all you know of his music is the last few years, or maybe you just know his name from Sting and The Tonight Show, you should check out these recordings:

As a Leader

• Scenes in the City
• Random Abstract
• Trio Jeepy
• Crazy People Music 
• Bloomington
• Requiem
• Footsteps of Our Fathers 

As a Sideman 

• Wynton Marsalis, Black Codes from the Underground