Marcus Roberts
Piano
61 age
August 7, 1963 Birthday
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. Birthplace
www.marcusroberts.com Website
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About
Marcus Roberts is a pianist, bandleader, composer and teacher. Roberts is known for his focus on traditional jazz and first made a name for himself as the pianist for Wynton Marsalis' band. Roberts went on to record in a wide variety of formats including solo piano, duets, and trio arrangements of jazz standards as well as original suites of music for trio, large ensembles, and symphony orchestra. He leads the Marcus Roberts Trio, a long-term musical partnership with Jason Marsalis and Rodney Jordan. In addition to performing, the three musicians also founded the Modern Jazz Generation, a large group consisting of musicians in their early 20s through 50s intended to facilitate mentoring among musicians.
Trivia
In 2014, the television show, 60 Minutes, profiled Marcus Roberts in a segment entitled “The Virtuoso.” Marcus Roberts serves as an Associate Artistic Director of the Savannah Music Festival. Marcus Roberts has received honorary doctorates from The Juilliard School and Brigham Young University.
Early Life
Marthaniel "Marcus' Roberts was born in Florida in 1963. He grew up in the church, where his mother was a gospel singer. At age 5 Roberts lost his sight to glaucoma. He began teaching himself the piano shortly after he losing his sight, but didn't have any formal instruction until age 12. He learned quickly and went on to study classical piano at Florida State University. After winning several piano competitions Roberts joined Wynton Marsalis' band in 1985.
Marcus Roberts Solos
1986
Piano solo - Caravan - 1986
4/4 latin in F minor at 195 BPM
Piano solo - April In Paris - 1986
4/4 swing in C major at 150 BPM
Piano solo - Goodbye - 1986
4/4 ballad in C minor at 43 BPM
Piano solo - New Orleans - 1986
4/4 swing in G minor at 60 BPM
Piano solo - A Foggy Day - 1986
4/4 swing in F major at 140 BPM
Piano solo - The Song Is You - 1986
4/4 swing in C major at 220 BPM
Piano solo - Memories Of You - 1986
4/4 ballad in F major at 68 BPM
Piano solo - Autumn Leaves - 1986
4/4 swing in G minor at 324 BPM