Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Jerry Marotta was recording with his band Orleans, before reaching 20, moving to New York to become a required session musician almost everybody played with. He has also composed and recorded music for TV shows, video games, and movies.

Just to state a few names, Jerry Marotta has worked with: Joan Armatrading, Mary Black, Chris Botti, Cher, Elvis Costello, Ani Difranco, The Dream Academy, Mitchell Froom, Peter Gabriel, Lisa Germano, Hall & Oates, Indigo Girls, Tony Levin, John Mayer, Paul McCartney, Sarah McLachlan, Stevie Nicks, Robbie Robertson, Ron Sexsmith, Michelle Shocked Carly Simon, Rick Springfield, David Sylvian, Tears for Fears, 10,000 Maniacs, Bonnie Tyler and Hector Zazou.

Currently and apart from his continuous session work, Jerry Marotta collaborates with The Tony Levin Band, paticipates in the TV sitcom "I'm With Her", runs his own studio in Woodstock, NY, Jersville, and prepares the debut album for his new band Marotta Griegraber Jones.

Jerry Marotta worked on "99.9°F°" (1992) and "Nine Objects of Desire" (1996). After the release of this album, but before the actual "No Cheap Thrill" tour, Suzanne Vega performed some warm-up shows in radio theaters for small audiences. Jerry Marotta, who had played in the album was the drummer who played with Suzanne Vega and Mitchell Froom on those September shows.

How did it happen that you joined the Suzanne Vega band?

I had been contacted by one of Suzanne's managers back in the mid 80's to tour with her. I was recording with Robbie Robertson at the time, in California, and couldn't make the schedule work, much to my dismay. Then, years later, Mitchell Froom asked me to play on the recording that would be "99.9°F". What an incredible experience that was! The combination of Mitchell's vision, Tchad Blake's unusual and refreshing approach to capturing sound, and Suzanne's beautiful voice and guitar playing along with wonderful songwriting resulted in one of my favorite records.

What, according to you, did you bring to the live performance of Suzanne's songs?

Mostly an unusual set of percussive sounds including Native American and Ugandan drums, brushes, rattling mallets and a deep love and respect for Suzanne's "Voice" both literally and figuratively.

What are the characteristics of Suzanne's music that attract you the most, both as a musician and as a listener?

Lyrics would be number one. Beautiful voice and a lovely style of guitar playing.

What are your main music influences, and musicians you look up to?

My musical influences vary drastically. Certainly Brazilian artists such as Djavan, Ivan Lins and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Arrangers such as Klaus Ogermann. Peter Gabriel, Tony Levin, James Taylor, Mitchell Froom, Frank Sinatra, Russ Kunkle, Jim Keltner and of course most importantly, my brother Rick Marotta, the reason I play drums for sure.

Apart from playing with Suzanne, which are the other projects, you have been participating in, that you're more proud of?

Any and every project I do with Tony Levin including a recording made in a cave in the Woodstock area with Steve Gorn and Tchad Blake. My own record called "Waking The Day" with my friend and close collaborator, Tom Griesgraber, a wonderful musician and Chapman Stick master. Recent recordings with Trey Anastassio. Also some incredible projects with the "Mighty" Mike Visceglia. A close friend and brilliant musician who never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of both music and life.

Those who wish to know more can check my website www.jerrymarotta.com