Rev Chris

Christopher Marsceill (aka Rev Chris) was born in Boston and raised in Philadelphia where attended Settlement Music School at age 11 and eventually studied with Philly staple Eric Speigel who introduced him to reharmonization and singing. At 17 he made his way to New Orleans where he studied under Mike Pellera, Ellis Marsalis, Peter Martin and began to move away from modern jazz after meeting Joe Krown and Jon Cleary and embracing on the ways of boogie-woogie and Professor Longhair style blues. Next was a string of successful tours with the Ted Hefko Quartet and New Orleans Juice and Brides of Jesus (featuring Russell Batiste of the Meters). In his travels he has shared the stage with Widespread Panic, Ani DiFranco, Blueground Undergrass, Santana, member of Squirell Nut Zippers and the Dave Matthews Band. While not on the road he spent his time performing in the French Quarter with the Bradford Truby Trio, the Dukes of Dixieland, St. Louis Slim, and at Preservation Hall Jazz. He can also be found on bootleg recordings by Meters bassist George Porter solo project. The icing on this cake was weekly appearances at the historic Maple Leaf Bar as part of the Ellen Rogers Band from 1999-2002. In 2003 co-founded “Restless Natives” with Bill Iuso and Brian Besse. Their debut album featured members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Neville Brothers.

Since relocating to Phildelphia following Hurricane Katrina he began performing solo around the city, beginning a residency at the Tavern on the Hill in 2007 that continues as of 2024. He put together his own ensemble, Les Garçons Crasseux, and began to focus mostly on original music. He has appeared in the bands of many Philadelphia based performers, including Roger Learnard, Emmett Drueding, Daisy Royce, and Bill Avayou. A first call session player he has appeared on albums by David Cope, Daisy Royce, Brian Kors, Humbleman Band, Mighty Rhythm Kings, Paul Downie, Max Mason, along with about a half dozen albums recorded during his time in New Orleans.

In 2018 he released his 9th album, The End of Love, that was solo piano. Here he strays away from original music and re-imaginationed songs by Prince, Leonard Cohen, the Beatles, Tom Tallitsch, Fats Waller and Blind Melon. His 10th album, a live performance featuring the sextet was released in August of 2019 and featured originals along with an arrangement of the Miles Davis song “Flamenco Sketches” and the Fats Domino classic, “Blueberry Hill”. During the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020 Rev self-released multiple singles on the online platform, Bandcamp, in addition to streamed gigs. He also reformed the Drums N Keys duo with either Gusten Rudolph or Claudio de Pujadas and entertained, while masked up, on the streets of Philly and the surrounding area.

Reverend Chris: @etude

by Geno Thackara
April 17, 2017

Christopher Marsceill may be based in northwest Philadelphia, but a casual listener could just as easily believe it was Nashville or New Orleans--not just because he goes by Reverend Chris in polite company and otherwise, but because he and his amiable High Rollers band share a love for earthy horns and Dixie swing. This lineup's first recording @etude offers a fun melting pot of largely Southern gumbo with high camaraderie and high spirits. The leader's mostly-electric piano makes ...

Performance / Tour

Reverend Chris & The High Rollers In Collingswood Thursday May 1st!

Source: Jim Miller
April 21, 2014

The Jazz Bridge First Thursdays Neighborhood Concerts Series at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 East Collings Avenue in Collingswood, NJ presents Reverend Chris and The High Rollers on Thursday, May 1st. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., tickets are $10/$5 for students, and are only available at the door. For info: 856-858-8914, 215-517-8337 or visit Jazz Bridge. Pianist/bandleader/vocalist Reverend Chris,who came to Philadelphia from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home, plays a mixture of eclectic swing, blues, boogie-woogie, original compositions, ...
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"On the keys, Chris has, the kind of feeling that boppers were just beginning to experiment with and that James Booker brought to fruition." - OffBeat Magazine "If you like music that gets your foot tapping, so much so you can't help but get up and dance, then you will love Viper Mad." - Emily Brooks, Life on the Hill Magazine "One of the unsung stars of the current Philly music scene." - Philadelphia Daily News "Super pianist!" - Chestnut Hill Local

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Currently teaching both beginner piano students just learning the basics as well as intermediate/advanced students who are looking to learn jazz piano, theory & improv. Theory & improv students do not have to be piano students, just have a confident grasp of the instrument they do play.