Branford Marsalis, saxophonist extraordinaire and host of the popular radio show, "Jazz Set," performed with his quartet this past Wednesday in Northampton's Iron Horse Music Hall. Though the concert received relatively little publicity-the date having only been announced a few weeks before the performance-Marsalis had no problem filling the hall to capacity. Fans, who lined the sidewalk outside the Iron Horse well before the doors opened, had every reason to be eager as the quartet showed remarkable cohesiveness, sensitivity and energy.

The quartet, which featured Branford on both tenor and soprano sax, Joey Calderazzo on piano, Jeff "Tain" Watts on drums and Eric Revis on bass, drew largely from the material on its recent CD, "Contemporary Jazz." As the title of the album suggests, the tunes performed by the quartet reflected some departure from traditional jazz harmonies. In particular, their one ballad-if that term even applies, seemed rather freeform. Its underlying construction was obscured by an abstract texture, an array of colors that started out soft and cool and continued to build in intensity to a tremendous climax.

Throughout the performance, the musicians blended their ideas with ease, reflecting their overall sensitivity as a tight-knit group. In "Broadway Fools," Branford took a long, playful solo on soprano in which his interaction with the rhythm section stood out clearly. Joey Calderazzo's abstract colorings and blisteringly fast solos helped to propel the group. While Revis did not solo until the encore, the audience could feel the deep, big sound of his bass throughout the performance. Dynamic and intrepid, the quartet displayed mastery of some sophisticated material.

Without a doubt, the tune, "Tain Mutiny," which featured the incredible drumming of Watts, highlighted the performance. This raucous, fiery piece elicited yells from the audience as well as from the players themselves. It seemed at points that the drum set would collapse under the relentless beating of Watt's sticks. A single, short line from sax, piano and bass pierced the riotous drum soloing.

Though the group for the most part played with a contemporary sound and feel, Branford did not shy away from his roots. During his solo on the first tune, "In the Crease," he quoted a familiar Wayne Shorter song-Shorter's tenor-playing being a distinct influence in Branford's early development.

Branford's style also recalled the classic John Coltrane quartet of the early to mid-'60s. While these influences were readily apparent in his performance, Branford appeared relaxed and confident with his own distinct musical voice. Forging ahead with some innovative and original material, he seems poised for continued growth and development in the contemporary vein.