During the 1940s Marsala was a celebrated West Coast jazz trumpeter, commuting back and forth from Chicago to San Francisco frequently.

In various club settings Marsala shared stages with Earl Hines and Sidney Bechet.

Marty Marsala began his professional career playing drums for bands led by Joe Bananas and Red Feilen in Chicago.

After service he toured between San Francisco and Chicago, playing much dixieland with his brother again as well as Miff Mole and Tony Parenti.

In 1955 he moved permanently to San Francisco and began leading his own groups and recording with Kid Ory and Earl Hines.