Jason Marshall

Biography

Jason William Marshall Sr., born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, discovered his passion for music at age nine in fourth grade when he chose the saxophone. His first teacher was Lorenz Wheatley, who provided early musical direction, followed by experiences at music camp where he switched from alto to baritone saxophone in sixth grade. Marshall pursued formal education with an undergraduate degree from The New School and a master's from the Aaron Copland School of Music, developing a style rooted in African-American music traditions, blending straight-ahead jazz with soul, R&B, and funk. Influenced by baritone saxophonists like Leo Parker, Nick Brignola, and Bruce Johnstone, he cultivated a giant, soulful sound through dedicated study.[1][6][8]

Arriving in New York City in 2003, Marshall quickly established himself as a premier baritone saxophonist in the bebop tradition, performing with the Thad Wilson Jazz Orchestra, Bluesman Roy Gaines, and notably Roy Hargrove's RH Factor and Roy Hargrove Big Band, including a memorable debut at the Playboy Jazz Festival at age 20. He leads his own groups, such as Overt Negritude (debut album 2007), the Jason Marshall Organ Trio, and the Jason Marshall Big Band, and has composed and arranged for ensembles like the Taipei Jazz Orchestra and New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Nominated for a Grammy for his work on 'Miss Garvey, Miss Garvey!!', he also performs with Nickel & Dime Ops and has shared stages with icons like Aretha Franklin, Beyoncé, and the Roots.[1][3][4][6][8]

Beyond performance, Marshall is a respected jazz educator, clinician, and thought leader, offering workshops worldwide and speaking on jazz, Afro-American history, classic menswear, and travel. He authored 'Elegance at Altitude' in 2015, a guide for traveling musicians, and continues to base his work in New York City and Margate, Florida, emphasizing music's role in community wellness and cultural restoration.[1][7][8]

Fun Facts

• Switched to baritone saxophone in sixth grade after seeing Montrell Smith play at Timerbemont music camp before fifth grade.
• Made his professional debut at the Playboy Jazz Festival at age 20 with Roy Hargrove on a rotating stage before 10,000 people.
• Nominated for a Grammy for arrangements on the modern classic 'Miss Garvey, Miss Garvey!!' with the Charlie Mingus Big Band.
• Authored 'Elegance at Altitude' in 2015, offering best practices for post-9/11 traveling musicians, alongside talks on menswear and Black history.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Hamiett Bluiett - Baritone saxophone master teacher (General studies contributing to tone and sensibility) [Pre-2003]
• Ronnie Cuber - Elite baritone saxophone specialist and teacher (Personal knowledge transfer on baritone technique) [Pre-2003]
• Gary Smulyan - Baritone saxophone master teacher (Studies enhancing ability and concept) [Pre-2003]
• Lorenz Wheatley - First saxophone teacher and earliest musical director (Formative lessons) [Childhood]
• Paul Carr - Tenor saxophonist teacher who taught self-teaching via records (Listening and play-along methods) [Early career]
• Holly Pasquale - Saxophone teacher (General progression) [Early studies]
• Fred Foss - Saxophone teacher (General progression) [Early studies]

Key Collaborators

• Roy Hargrove - Band leader for RH Factor and Roy Hargrove Big Band (Tours and Playboy Jazz Festival 2004) [2003-ongoing]
• Thad Wilson - Jazz Orchestra member (Formative stints) [Pre-2003]
• Roy Gaines - Bluesman performances (Early gigs) [Pre-2003]
• Aretha Franklin - Live performances (Various shows) [Career]
• Beyoncé - Live performances (Various shows) [Career]
• The Roots - Live performances (Various shows) [Career]

External Links

• Spotify