Marcus Roberts Trio
Music Institute of Chicago
Evanston, IL
Live Stream April 15, 2023
Review by Maja Rios
Photos by Mike Grittani
The first time heard Jacksonville, Florida native, Marcus Roberts, jazz pianist. He was superb! His trio was also great, Jason Marsalis, drums (brother of Wynton) and newcomer, Martin Jaffe, Bass. Marcus, called it ” three generations” of jazz”, Marcus being the oldest. Jason though younger, has been with him 30 years.
The trio played mostly jazz standards, reworked in new ways by Marcus and the band. The band started with jazz standard, “Where or When”, as up tempo straight ahead, with brushes by Jason. Best brush work I ever heard! Jason played brushes on most selections, which was different and great! I never heard brushes swing so hard! Marcus even quoted ” Love Supreme” riff, in his solo!
Next song was “Jitterbug Waltz” by Fats Waller done as a fast Bossa Nova! with brushes by Jason! Fabulous!
Other selections included Martin Jaffe, bassist, featured in Charles Mingus, Haitian Fight Song, with many tempo changes. Jason Marsalis was featured on a snare drum solo, which he played alone. I never heard so many rhythms on just a snare.
A favorite of mine was original piece, “Do not Suffer Alone” by, Marcus, who is blind since age 5,and it was soulful ballad. Also a favorite was samba version of “Mack the Knife”, done again by Jason on brushes! Superb! Other selections included New Orleans Blues, “What is This Thing called Love”, and another original piece by Marcus, Cole “After Midnight”, dedicated to Nat King Cole. Marcus never let his great technique, make his gospel and blues influence stray! He kept it real throughout! It was one the best shows ever for me!
