Jazz great Branford Marsalis is in Toronto to play two classical concerts with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

The son of piano player Ellis Marsalis and elder brother to musicians Wynton, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, the noted saxophonist has performed with a range of artists: from Public Enemy to longtime collaborator Joey Calderazzo to his own quartet.

However, he came to classical in the last 11 years and admits that it poses challenges for a musician raised on R&B.

In an interview with Jian Ghomeshi, host of CBC's Q cultural affairs show, Marsalis discusses the subtle interaction between a saxophonist and a classical ensemble.

He also talks about his musical education and his involvement in post-Katrina New Orleans.