Take Five With Jason W. Marshall

Meet Jason W. Marshall: Jason Marshall's 2003 arrival in New York City signified the continuation of hard swinging, forward thinking baritone saxophone playing. With early encouragement to appreciate all musical genres, Jason exhibits a style that encompasses whole of African-American music. A special interest is given to the amalgamation of soul music with straight-ahead jazz. Dedication and perseverance have resulted in a giant, soulful sound and instantly appealing concept. Influences such as Leo Parker, Nick Brignola and Bruce Johnstone have developed into an open perception of the baritone sax and a "take-no-prisoners approach to playing jazz music.

Jason has studied with the elite baritone saxophone specialists of today including Hamiett Bluiett, Ronnie Cuber and Gary Smulyan. Other teachers include Bruce Williams, Mark Gross, Steve Wilson, Vincent Herring, Greg Tardy, Wayne Escoffrey and Paul Carr. Lorenz Wheatley was Jason's first saxophone teacher.

Jason's formative musical experiences include stints with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra. He is currently playing and touring with Roy Hargrove's band, RH Factor, and the Roy Hargrove Big Band. Jason's band Overt Negritude is preparing to release its debut album. Jason has also conducted numerous demonstrations, clinics and workshops at every level of education throughout the world.

Instrument(s): baritone saxophone.

Teachers? Lorenz Wheatley, Hamiett Bluiett, Ronnie Cuber, Gary Smulyan, Bruce Williams, Mark Gross, Steve Wilson, Vincent Herring, Greg Tardy, Wayne Escoffrey and Paul Carr.

Influences? Leo Parker, Stanley Turrentine, Cannonball Adderley, Nick Brignola, Bruce Johnstone, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Brecker, Kirk Whalum, Ronnie Cuber and Gary Sumlyan.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when... A gentleman whose name escapes me did a demonstration with a saxophone at my elementary school. I was eight years old.

Your dream band: George Benson, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Louis Hayes, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Johnny Griffin, Me.

Did you know... Prior to a career in music, I was headed towards a career in professional martial arts.

What is in the near future? My band Overt Negritude will releasing our first album (self-titled) in the early fall, 2007 with subsequent touring to follow. I will be touring with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra directed by Arturo O'Farrill. I also work with Roy Hargrove's bands, most recently his new Organ Quintet but also his Big Band and funk band RH Factor. I am also a member of the Delfeayo Marsalis octet.

By Day: I play the baritone saxophone for a living.

I am a clinician for P. Mauriat saxophones, Jody Jazz mouthpieces and Rico Reeds.