Marcus Roberts Records Double LP of Original Work with New Band The Modern Jazz Generation – ‘Romance, Swing and the Blues’ Out October 7th on J-Master Records

Pianist Marcus Roberts’ new release, a double album of original work, introduces a new 12-piece band called the Modern Jazz Generation. The group evolved organically over several years through the age-old tradition of mentoring in jazz. ‘Romance, Swing, and the Blues,’ originally commissioned by Jazz at Lincoln Center, showcases Roberts’ breadth as both composer and player and features three generations of what he calls “serious jazz musicians.” The double album will be released on October 7th on his own J-Master label. The Modern Jazz Generation features Marcus Roberts Trio members Jason Marsalis and Rodney Jordan, veterans Ron Westray, Marcus Printup and Stephen Riley and a group of young musicians making their name in the jazz world, including Roberts protégé Alphonso Horne among others.

'Romance, Swing and the Blues' follows a year in which Marcus Roberts was extensively profiled on ’60 Minutes,’ debuted his first concerto for piano and orchestra, 'Spirit of the Blues: Piano Concerto in C Minor,' with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from The Julliard School. He also released two albums, 'Together Again: In the Studio' and 'Together Again: Live in Concert,' with longtime friend Wynton Marsalis and an original 12-movement suite for trio entitled ‘From Rags to Rhythm.’

Watch the ‘60 Minutes’ segment here.

“What is romance?” Roberts asks. “The word can encompass love, passion, intimacy and/or the profound inexplicable feelings that so many areas of our lives inspire us to explore.” The double LP explores romantic feeling with the versatility and adventurousness that has defined Roberts’ work. "The Mystery of Romance" is a grand opening salvo and statement of themes: it segues from an ominous introduction to a jittery big band swing, laced with dabs of Latin rhythm and lush blues. Solo piece "Period of Denial" is Roberts at his best - a piling cascade of notes that unfurls into a frenetic boogie woogie, his hands nearly flying off the piano. The album flaunts this group's impressive range - fluid and expressive, restrained and playful - over a variety of jazz styles.

Marcus Roberts got his start 29 years ago as the pianist for Wynton Marsalis' band and has since become one of jazz's most innovative and prolific figures, creating, performing, and recording new arrangements and original works for ensembles ranging from trio to full symphony orchestra. He has collaborated with such luminaries as Seiji Ozawa, Roberts Spano, Wynton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, Chick Corea, and Bela Fleck. Roberts also currently serves on the faculty at the Florida State University School of Music.

The Modern Jazz Generation is: Marcus Roberts, Piano; Rodney Jordan, Bass; Jason Marsalis, Drums; Marcus Printup, Trumpet; Alphonso Horne, Trumpet; Tim Blackmon, Trumpet; Ron Westray, Trombone; Corey Wilcox, Tuba; Stephen Riley, Tenor Saxophone; Joe Goldberg, Alto Saxophone and Clarinet; Ricardo Pascal, Tenor and Soprano Saxophones; and Tissa Khosla, Baritone Saxophone.

Track List (CD 1)
1. The Mystery of Romance
2. A Festive Day
3. Evening Caress
4. It's a Beautiful Night to Celebrate
5. Oh, No! How Could You?
6. The Intensity of Change

Track List (CD 2)
1. Being Attacked by the Blues
2. Reminiscence
3. Period of Denial
4. In Transition
5. Reaching for the Stars
6. Tomorrow's Promises (Recapitulation)

For more info: http://shorefire.com/clients/mroberts/