The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis delivers a joyous celebration of New Orleans legend Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941). Jazz's first great composer, musical intellect, and piano virtuoso, Morton gave us the musical blueprint of an eternal New Orleans and jazz as we know it today.

Through both classic and never-before-heard arrangements of essential tunes like "King Porter Stomp," "Jungle Blues," "Black Bottom Stomp," and "The Pearls," the JLCO showcases the contemporary power and the depth of possibility in the earliest jazz. The concepts found in these pieces have been explored by master musicians for the past century, and through the lens of Jelly Roll, you will hear that all jazz is truly modern. In addition to the JLCO's own resident pianist Dan Nimmer, this performance features the celebrated pianist Aaron Diehl, rising star Sullivan Fortner, and two promising young musicians: Micah Thomas and Joel Wenhardt.

Jelly Roll had to proclaim himself the "King of Jazz" in the early 20th century, but his genius stands the test of time. His music is earthy, sophisticated, and—most of all, fun—guaranteeing a raucous and festive opening weekend in Rose Theater. Welcome back to the House of Swing!

Originally performed on September 11th, 2017.

Personnel
REEDS
Sherman Irby – alto & soprano saxophone, flute, piccolo, Bb clarinet
Ted Nash - alto & tenor saxophones, flute, alto flute piccolo, Bb clarinet
Victor Goines – tenor saxophone, Bb & Eb clarinets
Walter Blanding – tenor & soprano saxophone, Bb clarinet
Paul Nedzela – baritone & alto saxophone, bass clarinet

TRUMPETS
Greg Gisbert
Wynton Marsalis
Kenny Rampton
Marcus Printup

TROMBONES
Vincent Gardner
Elliot Mason
Chris Crenshaw

RHYTHM
Dan Nimmer – piano
Carlos Henriquez – bass
Marion Felder – drums

FEATURING
Aaron Diehl – Piano
Sullivan Fortner – Piano
Micah Thomas – Piano
Joel Wenhardt – Piano