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Rev Chris

Christopher Marsceill (aka Rev Chris) was born in Boston and raised in Philadelphia where attended Settlement Music School at age 11 and eventually studied with Philly staple Eric Speigel who introduced him to reharmonization and singing. He eventually made his way to New Orleans where he studied under Mike Pellera, Ellis Marsalis, Peter Martin and moved away from modern jazz and was mentored by Joe Krown on the ways of boogie-woogie and Professor Longhair style blues. Next was a string of successful tours with the Ted Hefko Quartet and New Orleans Juice and Brides of Jesus. He shared the stage with Widespread Panic, Ani DiFranco, Blueground Undergrass, Santana and the Dave Matthews Band. While not on the road he spent his off time performing in the French Quarter with the Bradford Truby Trio, the Dukes of Dixieland, St. Louis Slim, Preservation Hall Jazz Band on call when the main band was on tour. He can also be found on bootleg recordings by Meters bassist George Porter solo project. Weekly appearances at the historic Maple Leaf Bar as part of the Ellen Rogers Band from 1999-2002. In 2003 co- founded “Restless Natives” with Bill Iuso and Brian Besse. Their debut album featured members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Neville Bros. His own ensemble focuses mostly on original music but he can also be found in the bands of Emmett Drueding, Daisy Royce. A first call session player he is on albums by David Cope, Daisy Royce, Brian Kors, Humbleman Band, Mighty Rhythm Kings, Paul Downie, Max Mason, and Emmett Drueding along with about a half dozen albums recorded during his time in New Orleans. In 2018 he released his 9th album, The End of Love, that was solo piano. Here he strays away from original music and re-imaginations of songs by Prince, Leonard Cohen, the Beatles, Tom Tallitsch, Fats Waller and Blind Melon. His 10th album, a live performance featuring the sextet was released in August of 2019 and featured originals along with an arrangement of “Flamenco Sketches” and the Fats Domino classic, “Blueberry Hill”. During the COVID-19 quarantine of 2020 Rev self-released multiple singles on the online platform, Bandcamp in addition to streamed gigs. He also reformed the Drums N Keys duo with either Gusten Rudolph or Claudio de Pujadas and entertained, while masked up, on the streets of Philly and the surrounding area. Since the beginning of 2021 he has returned to many of his regular gigs and is working on a blues trio album and is also working with an editor writing a book of stories from his days in New Orleans.

Awards

2010 Philly HotList "Favorite Local Entertainer"

Gear

Steinway Baby Grand Roland RD-64 Blue Sparkle Custom Digital Piano Roland 700-GX Digital Piano Roland Keyboard Amp Carvin Custom Built Keyboard Amp Yamaha P.A. System Yamaha Digital Piano Roland AX-7 Keytar


Tags

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Album Review

Reverend Chris: @etude

Read "@etude" reviewed by Geno Thackara


Christopher Marsceill may be based in northwest jny: Philadelphia, but a casual listener could just as easily believe it was jny: Nashville or jny: New Orleans--not just because he goes by Reverend Chris in polite company and otherwise, but because he and his amiable High Rollers band share a love for earthy horns and Dixie swing. This lineup's first recording @etude offers a fun melting pot of largely Southern gumbo with high camaraderie and high spirits. The leader's ...

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Performance / Tour

Reverend Chris & The High Rollers In Collingswood Thursday May 1st!

Reverend Chris & The High Rollers In Collingswood Thursday May 1st!

Source: Jim Miller

The Jazz Bridge First Thursdays Neighborhood Concerts Series at the Collingswood Community Center, 30 East Collings Avenue in Collingswood, NJ presents Reverend Chris and The High Rollers on Thursday, May 1st. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., tickets are $10/$5 for students, and are only available at the door. For info: 856-858-8914, 215-517-8337 or visit Jazz Bridge. Pianist/bandleader/vocalist Reverend Chris,who came to Philadelphia from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his home, plays a mixture of eclectic swing, blues, boogie-woogie, original compositions, ...

"On the keys, Chris has, the kind of feeling that boppers were just beginning to experiment with and that James Booker brought to fruition." - OffBeat Magazine "If you like music that gets your foot tapping, so much so you can't help but get up and dance, then you will love Viper Mad." - Emily Brooks, Life on the Hill Magazine "One of the unsung stars of the current Philly music scene." - Philadelphia Daily News "Super pianist!" - Chestnut Hill Local

Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Philadelphia

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Currently teaching both beginner piano students just learning the basics as well as intermediate/advanced students who are looking to learn jazz piano, theory & improv. Theory & improv students do not have to be piano students, just have a confident grasp of the instrument they do play. Currently accepting students for Monday and Tuesday time slots. $50 for a 45 minute lesson at the intermediate and advanced levels, beginner lessons available at $40 for 30 minutes.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

For What It's Worth

Self Produced
2021

buy

Santa's Sleighin'

Self Produced
2021

buy

The End of Love

Self Produced
2018

buy

@etude

Self Produced
2016

buy

Everybody's Waiting...

Self Produced
2014

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Santa's Sleighin'

From: Santa's Sleighin'
By Rev Chris

Margaret

From: Live at the Mermaid Inn
By Rev Chris

The Storm

From: @etude
By Rev Chris

Look Where We Have Been

From: Viper Mad
By Rev Chris

That's My Girl

From: Viper Mad
By Rev Chris

Frenchmen Street Stomp

From: Viper Mad
By Rev Chris

Laughlin's Laughin

From: Viper Mad
By Rev Chris

Videos

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