Connick’s New Album Features Collaboration with Marsalis

Once upon a time, there were two kids growing up in New Orleans who both loved music and became quite successful with it. But because they were each so busy with their careers, they never had time to record together.

Well, apparently they finally found time and the result is Harry Connick Jr.’s new album featuring Branford Marsalis on saxophone. The album – Occasion (Connick on Piano, Vol. 2) – will be released on Marsalis’ label, Marsalis Music, on June 14.

Occasion is the follow up to Connick’s 2003 piano album, Other Hours (Connick on Piano, Vol. 1), also on Marsalis Music. Occasion was recorded in one weekend in March 2005 in an informal and spontaneous session, with many of the songs composed in the studio. The album contains 13 tracks, 11 from Connick and two compositions from Marsalis.

To support the album, Connick and Marsalis will make a few appearances together: June 24 in Ottawa, Canada at the Library & Archives Auditorium as part of the 25th anniversary of the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and June 25 as the closing act of the JVC Jazz Festival in New York City.

Connick, always a renaissance man, has also been working on a 3D animated movie. The Happy Elf is based on the song of the same name from his 2003 Christmas album, Harry for the Holidays. Cast members include Mickey Rooney, Kevin Michael Richardson, Lewis Black, Carol Kane and Rob Paulsen, with Connick serving as narrator. Connick is working with IDT Entertainment, the company responsible for producing The Simpsons, for production and the DVD should be available in time for Christmas.

Originally Published May 13, 2005