Bassist, composer, and arranger, Roland Guerin has already made a formidable contribution to the world of jazz. From providing unique and melodic bass lines, to dazzling audiences worldwide with his mastered slap bass technique, Guerin has begun to emerge to the forefront of the international jazz arena. In addition to being the leader on three recordings of his own (a fourth to be released in Spring 2003), Guerin has appeared on over 45 albums worldwide.

Beginning as a young student at Southern University, Guerin's career commenced upon joining the Alvin Batiste Band, the Jazztronauts. Upon receipt of his degree in Marketing, Guerin began to tour the world as a member of jazz guitarist Mark Whitfield's Band. During his six and a half year tenure as the full time bassist with Whitfield, Guerin explored the jazz genre; which ultimately proved to be an avenue toward success. He had the rare opportunity to perform with such greats as George Benson, Jimmy Scott, Frank Morgan, Vernel Fournier, and Gerry Mulligan. He also participated in the recording of several albums, including Ellis Marsalis' release, "Twelves It", Marcus Roberts', "Cole After Midnight", "In Honor of Duke", the Grammy nominated "Portraits in Blue" and "Blues for the New Millennium", Allen Toussaint's, "Connected", and Mark Whitfield's, "Mark Whitfield" and "Forever Love".

Guerin also explored his spiritual side, as he was given a vision to build a new instrument. The result: a one-of-a-kind acoustic hollow bodied, arched top and back, six string bass guitar. With this instrument, Guerin began to write music for an entire spectrum of genres including pop, rock, R&B, classical, folk, and country.

It was not until the early part of 1998, however, that Guerin made his debut as a bandleader. Collaborating with trumpeter Nicholas Payton, guitarist Mark Whitfield, pianist Peter Martin, and drummer Donald Edwards, Guerin's first release, The Winds of the New Land,showcased his innovative style of composition and arrangement. According to Guerin, each of the albums ten songs were inspired by God, thus the concept of Christian Jazz. Shortly after its release, he was chosen as a 1998 Contemporary Jazz All Star by New Orleans Magazine and by Jazz Review as a member of their Fantasy Jazz Band. Since then, Guerin has recorded a second album on the Half Note Record label, "Roland Guerin Sextet Live at the Blue Note". This album combines Guerins original compositions along with two classic jazz standards, All Blues and Autumn Leaves. A third album, "You Don't Have to See It to Believe It" was released in 2000 to rave reviews worldwide.

As a leader, Guerin has already been given several opportunities to share his signature sound. In addition to being a feature artist in the JazzSouth radio series (distributed by NPR), his band has been showcased at the 1998 JazzTimes Convention and at the 1999, 2000, and the upcoming 2003 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In February 2000, Guerin embarked upon a one month tour of the Blue Note's in Japan as a bandleader. As a member of the Marcus Roberts Trio, Roland had the opportunities to perform at the 2001 Winter Olympic Games and in the Royal Opera House in Louis XIV's castle in Versailles, France. During the 2003 touring season, they will embark on a worldwide tour performing as a jazz trio enhanced by a symphony orchestra.

When he is not performing with his sextet, Roland Guerin continues to tour, perform, and record with Marcus Roberts. His forth album promises to provide groove, swing, and harmony. There is surely much more to come from this innovative and multi-talented individual.