musician spotlight

This week we feature pianist, composer, and arranger Quahnkatiere Marshall!

A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, Quahn is a versatile musician with a range of ability from leading a jazz combo to directing a choir! A graduate of Claflin University and Florida State University, he is a studied musician who is also director of choirs for Benedict College and previously Lower Richland High School. He most recently played our JazzKeller series with local greats such as Reggie Sullivan and Ron Green. We asked him some of our usual questions!

-When did you first start playing?

-At 6 years old.

-What was some of the first music you loved?

-Classical, gospel, rap, and r&b

-If you could pick a different instrument what would you pick and why?

-Guitar - It's such an amazing solo instrument that allows for so many different musical textures and colors.

-What are you listening to these days?

-A ton of Robert Glasper. I love his latest album. I'm a huge JID fan, his latest album is a great listen. Since D'Angelo's passing, I've really enjoyed revisiting his albums Brown Sugar and Voodoo.

-Where is one of the coolest placed you've played?

-There is a really cool cultural arts center in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia called "Ithra". The architecture and technology are state of the art!

-Who is a musician you think others should know about?

-Quennel Gaskin. What an incredible pianist and organist, God rest his soul. He has a dual piano album with Jamar Jones called "Sunday Morning at the Piano." It's such a powerful album. It's one of my favorite listens that always centers me just when I need it.

-What's keeping you busy these days (musically and non)?

-Benedict College, certainly. As the assistant director of choirs there, my schedule is quite full! Non-musically, my daughter. She's a handful in the best way possible. I love spending time with my lovely wife as well, and playing video games whenever I get the chance.