Music Review: 'The Dark Keys'

Saxophonist Branford Marsalis has been working overtime to dispel the memories of his recent lounge-lite Leno gig. On The Dark Keys he comes out fighting, displaying a confident and tough if overly busy style that returns him to contender status. Working with just bass and drums, Marsalis holds his ground, even on some mano a mano encounters with ace saxmen Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett. This is serious, demanding playing from a celebrity itching to prove he’s still an artist. A-