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Show Summary:
Our guest today is Marthaniel Roberts, who goes by “Marcus: Roberts.
Marcus is a Jazz pianist, composer, band leader, and Professor of Jazz music at Florida State University (FSU).
Marcus was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. Showing an early interest in, and a strong aptitude for music, initially with the gospel music in his family’s church and later in the popular R&B sounds of his era, he first ran across the chords of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and the captivating sounds of Jazz music while scanning the local FM radio dial at a very early age. He was given his first piano by his parents at the age of eight, and never looked back.
Marcus attended the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB), in St. Augustine where he learned more about music and the discipline it would take to truly excel in the art.. He went on to FSU, where he honed his piano skills under the tutelage of classical pianist, Leonidas Lipovetsky.
This is a special interview to which you should be sure to Listen-in as Jeff and Pete chat with this supremely talented, intelligent and articulate artist, Professor Marcus Roberts, who shares his impressive knowledge and passion for Jazz and his interest in advancing its presence among the music audience. Marcus, with his piano by his side, discusses musical theory, compositional principles and techniques, musical history and offers a fascinating lesson on the evolution of Jazz and the blues. Of course, Blind Abilities adds its own special highlights to the podcast with ample excerpts of Marcus’s amazing music.
Also, hear about Marcus’s insights into the issues facing the Blind and Visually Impaired, and how he is eager to more actively participate in advocacy initiatives within the blindness community. You will no doubt be enthused by Marcus’s passion and fervor as he chats with Jeff and Pete in the Blind Abilities studio.
Marcus is the founder of the Modern Jazz Generation, a multigenerational ensemble, as well as The Marcus Roberts Trio. He has released multiple recordings with both ensembles, some excerpts from which can be heard in this podcast.
So be sure to take some time out of your busy day to enjoy this in depth but fascinating interview with “The J Master” himself as he leads us down the path of ‘musical enlightenment, in an extremely entertaining way. You will definitely not be disappointed!
You can find out more about Marcus, his life as a blind musician, his career, and be sure to listen to and enjoy his music on all of the regular sites and streaming services, on his Youtube channel and on his website.
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