CiTR

This is the debut album by this incredibly talented and still quite young man (he's now 51)recorded in 1988. Marcus was discovered and mentored by Wynton Marsalis and Marcus appeared on many of Wynton's best loved recordings. After his association with Wynton, Marcus went on to teaching and mentoring other musicians. He currently lives in Florida where he was born and keeps busy. The only reason that he may be a little off the radar is because he no longer lives in New York.On this recording called "The Truth is Spoken Here" we hear Marcus in a group context with players of his own choosing and on two wonderful solo piano excursions. He can play the whole history of Jazz piano and on his solo pieces he reflects his two mentors, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. The group pieces are mostly Roberts' compositions and they are played by Wynton Marsalis, young tenor saxophonist Todd Williams and on three selections the great Charlie Rouse is heard on some of his final recordings (he died 5 months after these sessions). The rhythm section has Reginald Veal on bass and the incredible Elvin Jones on drums. When Roberts plays with the group his piano style reflects influences of Monk, Hancock and Powell yet he has his own identity. All in all despite the serious title of the album, it is a deep and joyous affair with great playing by all and a fine debut by pianist/composer Marcus Roberts.