Pianist Marcus Roberts, with his trio members, Jason Marsalis (drums) and Rodney Jordan (bass), founded the Modern Jazz Generation in 2013 but its roots go back much further. This band is based on the principle of mentoring that was such a critical part of the evolution of jazz. Older jazz musicians have always worked with and mentored younger musicians on the stage. Mentoring and education are both critical parts of Marcus Roberts’ musical mission and this new band has been a part of the realization of that mission.