Mark Taylor is one of the most in demand saxophonists in the Pacific Northwest. A Seattle native and resident, Mark's personal sound and style are a fixture on the local jazz scene and have given him opportunities to perform for audiences all over the United States and Japan. Widely respected as a unique and creative improviser, an impeccable ensemble player, and for his stylistic versatility, Mark performs and records extensively with such diverse and award winning groups as Matt Jorgensen +451, Jim Knapp Orchestra, Frieze of Life, Victor Noriega Trio + 2, Tom Varner's Seattle Tentet, Thomas Marriott's “Willie Nelson Project”, Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, Randy Halberstadt Quintet, and the New York Composers Orchestra lead by Wayne Horvitz and Tom Varner.
Mark also leads his own quartet which has recorded for Origin Records (Mark Taylor with Radio Action: “Afterhours”) and has another recording due out in late 2008/early 2009. Additionally, Mark has appeared locally with legends such as Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, and Ernestine Anderson, current headliners in jazz such as Sam Yahel and Maria Schneider, as well as appearances with the Seattle Symphony and Pacific Northwest Ballet.
As an educator, Mark has a full studio of private students and is a much sought after clinician for festivals, workshops, and clinics throughout the region. He holds a BM from the University of Washington (1994), and MM from the Manhattan School of Music (2000) in New York City where his performance credentials include appearances with the Grammy Award winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
