Jason Marsalis Music In Motion CD

As the youngest member of the Marsalis dynasty, drummer Jason has had his work cut out for him since he picked up his first pair of sticks. With MUSIC IN MOTION, his second release as a leader, it is clear that he has risen to the task. Marsalis displays deft musicality and proves to be a stellar talent--worthy of his famous family line. The drummer has also made a point of studying all things theoretical. MOTION's ten cuts stem not only from Marsalis' sticks but from his pen as well.

Marsalis comes out swinging with the aptly titled "There's a Thing Called Rhythm," a sizzling spotlight for the young drummer. Like the other members of the Marsalis clan, Jason never forgets his N'awlins heritage. He incorporates several funky, second-line grooves into such cuts as the intricate "Marakatu de Modernizer" and the ultra-hip "Seven-Ay Pocky Way." He is not afraid to stretch out, either. The solo spot "Discipline Strikes Again" finds Marsalis indulging in creatively overdubbed percussion that moves through several distinct styles and themes. Other highly musical tracks include the dark ballad "Short Story #1" and the complex "The Steepistician."

over 74 minutes of original compositions from the man that Down Beat calls "one of jazz's most promising young drummers" - Marsalis is joined by saxophonists John Ellis & Derek Douget, bassist Peter Harris & pianist Jonathan Lefeoski

Recorded at Ultrasonic Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana from December 19-27, 1999. Includes liner notes by Lil' Man Jake.

Personnel: Jason Marsalis (drums, percussion); Derek Douget (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone); John Ellis (tenor saxophone); Jonathan Lefcoski (piano).

Recording information: UltraSonic Studios (12/22/1999-12/27/1999).

Photographer: Jeff Strout.

Personnel: Jason Marsalis (drums, percussion); Derek Douget (soprano & alto saxophones); John Ellis (tenor saxophone); Jonathan Lefeoski (piano); Peter Harris (bass).

CMJ (4/17/00, p.24) - "...A vibrant straight-ahead program where the drummer/composer leaves plenty of room for his players to shine. His playing is decisive throughout but never flashy, instead laying down hard swinging tempos and gently providing understated support."
Down Beat (7/00, p.62) - 3.5 stars out of 5 - "...This is a drummer's CD....The patterns are simple, accountable to a rock steady pulse and repetitive enough to lure listeners quickly into their broad weave of figures....an abundance of good music to be heard..."
JazzTimes (11/00, pp.91-2) - "...This is the drummer's date....the most physically gifted of Dolores and Ellis' progeny....we're witnessing a man likely to become one of the real drum forces in the music."