MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO & RUSSELL MALONE QUARTET
(DOUBLE BILL)
Marcus Roberts
“His combination of talent, ambition, discipline, stylistic openness and resourcefulness suggest that he is a remarkable musician—perhaps even a Phenomenon…”, writes Michael West (Jazz Times) of Marcus Roberts. According to Roberts, however, he is just honored to be a part of a phenomenal trio—one that is grounded in his long-term musical partnership with drummer Jason Marsalis (who took over the drum chair in 1994) combined with the gifted musicianship of bassist Rodney Jordon, whose profound musical intelligence has left its mark on the trio since joining the group in 2009.
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The Marcus Roberts Trio is known for its virtuosic style and entirely new approach to jazz trio performance. While most jazz trios have the piano front and center, all members of the Marcus Roberts Trio share equally in shaping the direction of the music by changing its tempo, mood, texture, or form at any time. And they do this with lightning-quick musical reflexes and creative imaginations. The trio is known for having almost telepathic communication on the stage. And more than a few concertgoers have been heard to say that it sounds like a lot more than three people up there on the stage!
The Marcus Roberts Trio believes in ‘letting the music take over’ and the result is a powerfully rhythmic and melodic sound that is filled with dynamic contrast. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching this trio perform is that it is so evident that these three musicians are really having fun playing together.
Russell Malone
“Obviously, we are in the capable hands of a master. Absolutely fluid touch and beautiful integration between moving lines and harmonic cadences. The sound of the instrument is well- balanced throughout the entire register. The relaxed quality of everything that’s being played gives it such a warm feeling. To play that stuff is extremely hard. This is an absolute master, the best of the best.”
– Kurt Rosewinkel, responding to Russell Malone’s solo performance of “Remind Me” on Playground [MaxJazz,2004|, in a DownBeat Blindfold Test.
