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Mark Prince

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Mark Prince has developed into one of the premier drummers in today’s music scene. Honing his skills at Howard University under the expert tutelage of the legendary Grady Tate, as well as maintaining a strong classical background as a National Symphony Fellowship recipient, his versatility is a sought after attribute amongst the musical community both nationally and internationally. Upon graduating from Howard University, Mark began a six-year stint with cutting-edge keyboardist Andy Milne. His time with this band served as a rewarding platform of development, being thrust into the complex, but intensely groove-driven arena of M-BASE music, a fusion of funk, jazz, astrology, mysticism, and any other pertinent influence, was a perfect match for Mark’s unique style of drumming, which draws from influences equally as vast. In this context, Mark developed a relentless sense of groove, making the most complex of rhythmic patterns danceable, a skill that he deftly applies in many different styles. During this period, Mark also toured and recorded with Carlos Ward’s Radius, Opus Akoben, Debbie Kirkland, Davey Yarborough, Alex Bugnon, and Charles Fambrough, gaining a strong reputation as an extremely versatile drummer, playing styles ranging from hip-hop and R&B to contemporary and straight-ahead jazz. These attributes, coupled with Mark’s Classical background allowed for opportunities to work in New York’s contemporary ballet and Broadway arena. Receiving back to back calls from the Jose Limon Dance Theater, as well as Broadway and R&B Legend Jennifer Holliday, Mark’s stock was raised once again, as the greater musical community embraced his ability to function in the specialized world of show music. As yet another facet of his eclectic style is established; the calls continue to pour in more frequently from interesting and important artists all over the country. His work with the seminal World-Beat/R&B sensation Fertile Ground has caught fire all over the U.S., Europe and Japan. Three albums with Philadelphia-based Jazz phenom Ruth Naomi Floyd have garnered critical acclaim, as well as tours with smooth jazz pioneer, and piano virtuoso, Bobby Lyle., along with the most recent collaboration w/ the Bobby Lyle/Paul Jackson, Jr. Organ Trio serve to solidify Mark’s potent presence amongst the international drumming community. In 2011, Mark held the distinct honor of adding the legendary Jeff Lorber Fusion to his extensive list of drum chair credits, in a band featuring the great Eric Marienthal on Saxophone. 2012-2013 have been busy with tours and dates with Earl Klugh, Nnenna Freelon, the Three Mo Tenors, and South African Legend, Vusi Mahlasela.

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Album Review

Kristin Callahan: Lost in a Dream

Read "Lost in a Dream" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey


The body of compositions known as “jazz standards" has proved to be as durable as it is long lived. These musical pieces, partially provided by the “Great American Songbook" and partially by composing jazz practitioners, have afforded artists a veritable bottomless pit of material with which to apply their own unique vision. One-hundred-plus years of recording history have resulted in a great many standard interpretations. So now it is difficult, if not aesthetically dangerous, for newer artists to delve into ...

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Album Review

Mark Prince: Fraction of Infinity

Read "Fraction of Infinity" reviewed by Edward Blanco


Since early 1995, Mark Prince has been pounding the drums on scores of tour dates and hundreds of recording sessions as a sideman, honing his skills and widening his musical horizons. Fraction of Infinity is his long awaited debut as a leader, and what a first offering it is. A versatile drummer, adept at playing styles ranging from hip-hop and R&B to contemporary and straight-ahead jazz, Prince contributes ten new and creative originals, covering jazz from the straight-ahead to the ...

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