Born: September 23 Primary Instrument: Percussion
Born in Copenhagen Denmark, percussionist Markus Schwartz grew up in an American household surrounded by jazz, and has devoted the last twenty years to learning the wealth and complexity of traditional Haitian drum music. Moving in and out of Haiti since the early 1990s, Markus followed the lead of Haitian percussionists on pilgrimages into the countryside to learn the intricate and powerful Vodou drums. Markus was a founding member of the ground-breaking Haitian Jazz quintet Mozayik and the Buyu Ambroise & Blues in Red Band, Markus has recorded and/or performed around the world with many of Haiti's finest musicians, including “Queen of Haitian Song” Emeline Michel and Hip-Hop superstar Wyclef Jean. In late 2008, Markus recorded a 'solo' project featuring an all-star cast of invited guests. Tanbou nan Lakou Brooklyn/Haitian Drums in the Brooklyn Yard was featured extensively on National Public Radio and reached #3 on the JazzWeek World radio charts.
Awards:
Tanbou Nan Lakou Brooklyn - Beat Magazine top ten releases for 2008. Equinox - Stereophile Magazine Recording of the Month Feb 2011It's always so inspiring when American-based musicians mine the riches of their exotic heritage, and this five-piece New York band offers a stirring invitation to explore the vast rhythmic riches of its Afro-Haitian roots. While listeners are enjoying what on the surface sounds like an appealing mix of classical, jazz, gospel, and funk influences, the 12 multifaceted tracks also aim to teach lessons about various traditional Haitian folkloric drum rhythms (all stunningly played by Markus Schwartz).” - Jonathon Widran, allmusic.com
“Like Papa Legba holding a party at the crossroads where the great Haitian Master drummer Ti-Roro meets John Coltrane and they mix it up for a while. Best of all, we get to listen in... a fabulous fusion of Black musical styles blended and melded into a fresh and welcome innovation.” - Prof. Elizabeth McAlister, Lakou Brooklyn Liner Notes
Vo-Duo "Nou La" (Lakou Brooklyn, 2012)
Personnel: Markus Schwartz: Percussion, Vocals, Monvelyno Alexis: Electric guitar, vocals,
Equinox (Soundkeeper Recordings, 2010)
Tracks: Kote Moun Yo, Yanvaloux, Cecia, Seremoni Tiga, Equinox, Gede Drum-n-Bass
Personnel: Markus Schwartz: Percussion, Vocals, Monvelyno Alexis: Electric guitar, vocals, Jean Caze: Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vocals, Paul Beaudry: Bass
Tanbou Nan Lakou Brooklyn / Haitian Drums in the Brooklyn Yard (Lakou Brooklyn, 2008)
Tracks: Ountò (Spirit of the Drum); Kongo Piga Djol Yo; Danbala; Legba Nan Barye A; Cecia; Solo Tanbou Ti-
roro; Seremoni Tiga; Sa’m Fe Moun Yo, Bondye; Koze, Tanbou’m; Gede Drum-n-bass; Sa’m Fe Moun Yo (Acoustic
Reprise)
Personnel: Markus Schwartz, Percussion, Vocals,
Vocals: Dadi Beaubrun, Eddy Francois, Erol Josue and
James Germain, guitar: Eddy Bourjolly, Dadi Beaubrun, sax:
Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Buyu Ambroise & Jowee Omicil,
trumpet: Jean Caze, drums: Jeff Ballard, bass: Ugonna
Okegwo, Bobby Raymond & Chico Boyers, piano: Frederic
Las Fargeas
Mozayik - Haitian Creole Jazz
Mozayik - Haitian Creole Jazz (Zoho Music, 2005)
(1) Caravan (2) Pen Mayi (3) Sa Te Bel (4) Mireille (5) Sincerely Yours (6) African Queen (7) The Journey (8) Limye (9) Fifa’s
Theme (10) Second Nature (11) Havana Sunrise (12) Moving On
Personnel: Eddy Bourjolly - guitar, Gene Torres - bass, Gashford Guillaume - drums, Markus Schwartz - Haitian
drums/percussion, Welmyr Jean-Pierre - piano/keyboards
Mozayik - Mozayik
Mozayik Productions
2000
1. Peze Kafe 2. Nago Wes 3. Mosquito 4. Karimah 5.
Breaktime 6. Ou Pran La Vi’m (Featuring Emeline Michel) 7. Koplent Payizan 8. Celebration , 9. Samba Kreyol 10.
Focus
Personnel: Eddy Bourjolly - guitar, Philippe Charles - bass, Gashford Guillaume - drums, Markus Schwartz - Haitian
drums/percussion, Welmyr Jean-Pierre - piano/keyboards
Also Featured On
Buyu Ambroise & the Blues in Red Band, Djazpora (Times Square 2005)
Monvelyno Alexis, Conscience State of Mind
Pauline Jean, A Musical Offering
Jowee Omicil, Roots & Grooves
Emeline Michel, Racine Kreyol (Times Square 2005)
Lataye, Tou Manbre (Dadi 2005)
Wyclef Jean, Welcome To Haiti: Creole 101 (Koch Records, 2004)
Jephte Guillaume, Assorted singles and remixes
Hex Hector, Brand New Day (remix)
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Percussion
Location:
Brooklyn, NY
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
Credentials/Background:
Twenty years experience in traditional Haitian drum music.
Extensive travels in Haiti, learning from many master Haitian
drummers. Private and group lessons available. Private
studio available for classes. Available for performances and
lecture demonstrations on Haitian music, dance and culture.
Fluent in Haitian Creole.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
http://www.teachstreet.com/teacher/markus-schwartz
