Biography

Composer/Pianist Terry Marshall has performed in concert halls, night clubs and restaurants as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far south as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He regularly graces the stages of the most celebrated venues in the Washington, D.C. area, including: Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, Twins Jazz Club, The Wolf Trap National Center For The Performing Arts and many others. His performances are always the epitome of taste and artistry. Marshall's compositions have been a not so well kept secret on the Washington, D.C. area.

 

In July of 2014 Terry released a his debut CD which he called 'Arrival'. The CD reached the #25 spot on the CMJ chart of jazz recordings in just 2 weeks! It received rave reviews from critics all over the country...

 

                                           REVIEWS OF "ARRIVAL'

 

http://jazzsensibilities.blogspot.com/2014/11/terry-marshall-arrival.html

 

http://allaboutvocals.com/?p=576

 

Terry Marshall's "Arrival"--Just in Time

09/14/20140 Comments

 Travis Rogers- Jazz Times

Terry Marshall is a class act. He is an excellent composer and arranger and an inspired pianist. He is also a true gentleman.

 

Marshall’s 2014 release “Arrival” is energetic, moving and comforting. He has gathered musicians familiar to himself and to Jazz fans in the Washington, DC area. Brothers Leonardo Lucini (bass) and Alejandro Lucini (drums) form his brilliant rhythm section for much of the album. The tightness between them is not unexpected between brothers but they mesh seamlessly with Marshall on piano. Throw in talented guitarists like Ben Young and Kevin Williams, vocalists like Iva Ambush and Kendra Johnson plus a host more of excellent players and you’ve got the makings.

Marshall includes four of his own compositions along with other better and lesser known works. His arrangements echo his own voice and are brilliant revelations of the unique approach that belongs to Terry Marshall.

 

The album opens with “Teresa,” a Brazilianesque piece that gives a Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays feel. That Brazilian sound will make a return on “Nostalgia.” The Lucini brothers are featured on both tracks (as well as on “Upside Down,” “Being Cool,” “Questions and Answers” and “Arrival.”) They are fine additions to the album.

The vocal works by Iva Ambush and Kendra Johnson are so very different but so very appropriate to the tracks on which they perform. As talented and as entertaining as they are—as are all the musicians—Terry Marshall remains at the gravitational center of the album. It is not just his composing and arranging brilliance, Marshall is a moving performer. His touch on piano and Fender Rhodes are warm and enthralling.

The track list is well-chosen and a varied display of melodies and rhythms with musicians who know how to swing. The vocalists bring the swing, as well.

 

“Arrival” has everything that Jazz lovers love: lyricism and groove and memorable melodies. There is, however, one thing more that this album delivers…a very memorable musician named Terry Marshall. 

"Like" Terry Marshall on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/terry.marshall.148?fref=ts

Purchase "Arrival" here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/terrymarshall

 

MIDWEST RECORD

by Chris Spector

TERRY MARSHALL/Arrival: In which we face the bane of today’s working musician. This cat is putting in the time and miles, but if you aren’t in DC, you probably never heard of him. A killer piano man that knows how to set up a real easy grooving set, whether the focus is on instrumentals or vocals, this set is kind of a throwback to the cool jazz records that were kind of omnibus showcases in the 70s, often made when the over seers at the major label weren’t watching too closely. A mainstream delight, this is smoking, after work jazz that let’s you wash off the day and get ready for fun to come. Here’s a cat well worth some wider recognition. Hot stuff. — with Terry Marshall.

 

IMPROVIJAZZATION NATION

by Rotcod ZZaj

Terry Marshall – ARRIVAL: If solid jazz piano is your listening forte, you’ll find Terry’s piano work very pleasing indeed. Even standards like “April In Paris” are magic in his hands… very nice, to be sure. He has a full complement of savvy and energetic players with him as well (too long to list here) – & tunes like the title track, “Arrival“, clearly demonstrate how well he plays with others! You’ll find yourself locking several of his tunes in on your playlists, at least partly because he has put five Marshall originals on here… I was especially impressed with great pieces like the vocal-led “Being Cool” & have no doubt you’ll totally dig them, too. This is my first review for Terry’s work, but I’ve no doubt that much more will be forthcoming from this high-talent artist.

It was the upbeat & peppy “Questions and Answers” that got my vote for favorite of the eleven tunes on the CD. I give him a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 4.98. Get more information at Terry’s website (& tell him you read about him here).

— with Terry Marshall.

 

Terry Marshall, Arrival

 October 22, 2014 Editor

by Pistano Seeber-All About Vocals

Arrival, the latest album by pianist and composer Terry Marshall presents an engaging and uplifting collection of five originals and six arrangements of some noteworthy standards. With an inviting mix of classic and refreshingly burst of new the results yielded an array of tracks that complement each other superbly.

The proceedings open with “Teresa,” a smoothly crafted jazz tune that is sure to delight.  The piano and bass duo on “April in Paris” pays homage to a classic tune with proper respect. Now to the highlight – sprinkled among the fantastic recording are three vocalists and they are extraordinary, Iva Ambush, Kendra Johnson, DeCastro Brown are some beautiful vocal arrangements. They include “Upside Down, which features Iva at the helm exuding her soulful yet light delivery, while “This Bitter Earth, features the gospel inspired vocalist Kendra Johnson, reminiscent of an ala Gladys Knight quality in her voice, Johnson delivers this classic with confidence and believability. “Begin Cool” again features vocalist Iva Ambush while “Moodies Mood for Love,” gives us the opportunity to hear DeCastro Brown, who reminded me of Kevin Mahogany, yet in a higher register.

Overall, Arrival is a nice mix of styles and offers a mix of jazz and contemporary flavors to satisfy any mood. It was wonderful to be introduced to 3 emerging vocalists, who I hope release individually their own offerings.

 

THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES

by Esther Callens

To sum it up—outstanding!  Arrival, the latest album by pianist and composer Terry Marshall presents an extraordinary collection. With five originals and six arrangements of some significant standards, Marshall has come up with the perfect merger of the old and new. The results yielded an assemblage of tracks that complement each other exquisitely. Nothing fake is here as Marshall brought the real deal!

 

Marshall made sure not to disappoint listeners on Arrival as he added in a few surprises. First the set opens with Teresa, the ultimate smooth jazz tune.  The piano/bass duo on “April In Paris” is outstanding – a classic’s classic. Marshall and company really burns on the finale – “Blues.” Sprinkled among the fantastic recording are some beautiful vocal arrangements. They include “Upside Down”, “This Bitter Earth”, “Begin Cool” and “Moodies Mood For Love.” No need to mention that they took these songs to celestial levels! Terry Marshall’s Arrival has made an impressive grand entrance. Likewise, fans are glad he did!

 

Track Listings:  Teresa; Upside Down; This Bitter Earth; Being Cool; Nostalgia; Questions And Answers: Moodies Mood For Love; Speak To My Heart; Arrival; April in Paris; Blues.

Album personnel: Terry Marshall (piano); Alejandro Lucini, Harold Summey; Tracey Cutler, Warren Atiba Taylor (saxophone), Muneer Nasser (trumpet), Kevin Williams, Ben Young, D. L. Watson (guitar); Iva Ambush, Kendra Johnson, DeCastro Brown (vocals); Leonardo Lucini, Dave Marsh, Donnie West (bass).

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Terry Marshall, Arrival

by Icrom Bigrad

Composer/Pianist Terry Marshall has put together an enjoyable project entitled, Arrival featuring five original compositions and six well and not so well -known standards and arrangements by Marshall. There are four vocal selections featuring Iva Ambush on “Being Cool” and “Upside Down,” Kendra Johnson on “This Bitter Earth” and Johnson is joined by vocalist DeCastro Brown for “Moodies Mood For Love.”

 

For Arrival Marshall has a rotating cast of players, but all speak the same language so the overall effect is still a project that flows and has a consistent musical sound overall.  Marshall’s originals are catchy and fit in nice with the selected standards.  The project has a lot of straight eight selections, but the styles overall are varied and with the four vocal selections mixed in with the instrumentals the listener will always get the feeling of a cohesive project.  

 

 There is a plethora of groove on this recording, but it is not for a purist of any specific genre, instead it will appeal to a wide audience.  Marshall’s most impressive skill are his ability to do all of the writing and arranging and put a varied cast together that makes everything work; and of course his playing is especially concerned with inviting the listener into the musical moments that is Arrival.

 

July 13

AMAZON.COM 5 OUT OF 5 STARS 

 

Classic Jazz songs and original compositions emphasizing memorable melodies and a rich rhythmic vocabulary

 

By Grady Harp HALL OF FAMETOP 100 REVIEWERVINE VOICE 

 

Washington, D.C. based pianist Terry Marshall begins the first chapter of what promises to be a fruitful recording career with a heartfelt collection of original music, complemented by some intriguing arrangements of time-honored jazz classics. This is music that is incredibly memorable and listenable. The vocal pieces are particularly fine - but then the entire collection truly sings! Many of the tunes are new, and a lot o of the others you've never heard before. But that's a good thing and you certainly won't regret you decision to embrace this `Arrival'.

 

Composer/Pianist Terry Marshall has performed in concert halls, night clubs and restaurants as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far south as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. He regularly graces the stages of the most celebrated venues in the Washington, D.C. area, including: Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts, Twins Jazz Club, The Wolf Trap National Center For The Performing Arts and many others. His performances are always the epitome of taste and artistry. Marshall's compositions have been a not so well kept secret on the Washington, D.C. area. After this album that is all going to change!

 

The Ensemble is Terry Marshall, piano, Alejandro Lucini , drums, Harold Summey, drums, Tracey Cutler, saxophone, Warren Atiba Taylor , saxophone, Muneer Nasser, trumpet, Kevin Williams, guitar, Ben Young, guitar, D.L. Watson, guitar, Iva Ambush, vocals, Kendra Johnson, vocals, DeCastro Brown, vocals, Leonardo Lucini , bass, Dave Marsh, bass, and Donnie West, bass

 

The tracks are as follows:

 

Teresa

Upside Down

This Bitter Earth

Being Cool

Nostalgia

Questions And Answers

Moodies Mood For Love

Speak To My Heart

Arrival

April In Paris

Blues

 

Every track makes the listening to this recording worthwhile. Just try to walk away without humming — with Terry Marshall.