Blind from age five, Marcus Roberts first taught himself piano as a youth. After high school, he attended Florida State University, and studied both classical and jazz piano. At the age of 21, and after winning several competitions, Roberts was taken under the wing of Wynton Marsalis in 1985. (Both musicians share highly traditional views on the purity of jazz.) By the late ‘80s, Roberts was established as a solo artist and composer with albums on major labels. Throughout his career, he has led a trio and often performed classical compositions as a guest soloist. And while well-versed in bebop piano, Roberts has also been mindful of the influences of jazz from the early 20th century -- ragtime, stride, New Orleans, and swing. ~ Mark Keresman