Jason Marsalis is the youngest of a great jazz family. He has not only inherited the virtuosity and compositional skills associated with the Marsalis family, but has also developed a distinctive, polyrhythmic drumming style. He is both a drummer and a vibraphonist in both the leader role and as a sideman. Jason’s first album as a leader on the vibes entitled Music Update earned 4.5 out of 5 stars in Downbeat magazine, and Ben Ratliff from The New York Times described the Jason’s album as “an excellent musician trying out something risky without embarrassment.” He continues to work as a sideman with Marcus Roberts, Ellis and Delfeayo Marsalis, John Ellis, Dr. Michael White, and Shannon Powell among others. Along with his father and brothers, Jason is group recipient of the 2011 NEA Jazz Masters Award.