Jason Marsalis is the youngest son of piano patriarch and jazz luminary Ellis Marsalis Jr. Upon the presentation of their NEA Jazz Masters Award in 2011, The Marsalis’ were declared “America’s First Family of Jazz”. In addition to his renown as a drummer, Jason is also a respected vibraphonist whose 2018 release “Melody Reimagined ” with his 21st Century Trad Band rose swiftly to the top of the Billboard jazz chart. With a fire in his heart and a passion for the music, his will to swing has never been more resolute. The maturity and the command Jason possesses over his music is clearly evident to those who have heard or seen him.

Jason pays tribute to his mentor and teacher, the late great Lionel Hampton.

Lionel Leo Hampton (1908 – 2002) was an American jazz vibraphonist, percussionist, and bandleader. He worked with jazz musicians from Teddy Wilson, Benny Goodman, and Buddy Rich, to Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, and Quincy Jones. In 1992, he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and he was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1996.