It’s no secret that the Marsalis family is considered music royalty. Over the last 40 years, they have been credited with the acoustic jazz revival in the 80s –– including acoustic recording technique –– and have played a pre-eminent role in the development of jazz music education. This Spring and Fall, two of those brothers will be in Calgary playing the jazz music they know best.
During JazzYYC’s Summer Festival running in late June in cool clubs and music halls throughout Calgary, Jason Marsalis brings his Vibes Quartet to Festival Hall on Wednesday, June 24, starting at 7pm.
On Wednesday, October 14, Branford Marsalis will play alongside Dianne Reeves at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in celebration of John Coltrane.
Born into New Orleans’ first family of jazz, the youngest son of the late pianist-educator Ellis Marsalis Jr. and brother to Wynton, Branford, and Delfeayo, Jason has carved his own unmistakable path as both a virtuosic drummer and one of today’s most imaginative voices on the vibraphone.
When he began his musical journey it was all drum kit, and when he toured in his late teens with Marcus Roberts, he was playing mainstream jazz, fusion, Brazilian influences, and the full spectrum of New Orleans traditions. He’s been a sideman for Joe Henderson, Lionel Hampton, Jon Batiste, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and has served as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department.
A quarter century ago, he shifted his creativity towards the vibraphone, and the world now experiences him as one of the instrument’s essential innovators. With his Vibes Quartet, he brings a deep sense of swing enhanced with wit and clarity.
For Jazzfest this Spring, Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet offers a vibrant, forward-looking celebration of Lionel Hampton, created with the blessing of the Lionel Hampton Estate.
Tickets for Jason Marsalis Vibes Quartet: A Tribute to Lionel Hampton are available at jazzyyc.com.