Savannah Music Festival LIVE 1215 – Marcus Roberts’ “Romance, Swing and the Blues”

As a performer, jazz pianist Marcus Roberts has played in settings ranging from solo, trio, and jazz orchestra to symphony orchestra, always bringing a remarkably fresh approach to each moment. As a composer, he has been commissioned for new work by Chamber Music America, Jazz at Lincoln Center, that Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Ozawa Music Festival, and many others, including the Savannah Music Festival. As an educator, Marcus Roberts has inspired generations of jazz musicians, through his work as associate professor of music at Florida State University and founding director post of Swing Central Jazz, our festival’s annual high school jazz band competition and workshop. One of Roberts’ more recent musical projects is the founding of a new band called “The Modern Jazz Generation”. This multigenerational ensemble is the realization of Roberts’ long-standing dedication to training and mentoring younger jazz musicians. Drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Rodney Jordan are also key founding members of this band. On this episode, we listen to highlights from their 2019 performance at our festival.