Talk:Marcus Roberts

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[edit] This article has some quality issues

My 2 cents:

1.) No citations anywhere

2. Writing that leaves objectivity (the goal of an encyclopedia article) far, far behind:

Passages like "builds an expansive tonal and melodic structure evoking slyness, joy, confidence, and just a touch of knowing world-weariness" and "builds sonic palaces, inviting his listener to come and pay homage to the living spirits of Monk, Ellington, Morton, Gershwin, and many more of his fellow geniuses" read more like publicity writing or amateur music criticism rather than an encyclopedia article. Even the Miles Davis and Charlie Parker articles don't refer to their subjects as "geniuses" (though the Ellington and Armstrong articles do, and I won't argue with that). And as their is no truth test for who is or isn't "innovative" in the arts, it's impossible to say that Marcus has been the victim of "false criticism". His critics may be bad or good, but their opinions are just that--opinions, not verifiably true or false. An encyclopedia article discussing an artist's critical reception should offer examples of various printed criticisms (good and bad / pro and con) rather than giving a blanket dismissal of one side or the other.

Also, Roberts apparently continues to tour, though his last record was released in 2001. The article gives the impression that he's retired to academia. A link to his website might be good, if that's allowed in Wikipedia.

Well, like they say about academia, the fights are so bitter because the stakes are so low...here I am offering criticism (perhaps false criticism!) of an article that probably sees very few visitors in the first place, what with jazz unfortunately being off the cultural radar for mainstream America and elsewhere. But Marcus does deserve a good Wikipedia article.