Born: November 16, 1965 Primary Instrument: Piano
Born in Detroit, MI in 1965 to an American mother and Canadian Father, Thibodeau grew up in Canada and the USA, listening to his Father's Jazz record collection. He studied music theory in college and privately, while playing piano professionally from a young age.
Thibodeau has shared the stage with and/or recorded with music legends including: Alberta Adams, Marcus Belgrave, Bettye Lavette, George Benson, Odessa Harris, Mudpuppy, Eddie Kirkland, Eddie Burns, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Colin Linden, Johnny “yard dog” Jones, Johnnie Bassett, Joe Weaver, Kenny Martin, Stanley Mitchell, Karen Lawrence, Cesar Pena, Francesco Mora, Robert Penn, Wild Child Butler, and more. Mark’s influences include: Gene Harris, Oscar Peterson, McCoy Tyner, Horace Silver, and Bill Evans.
Awards:
1997 and 1998 Motor City Music Award (part of best ensemble)“Growing up in Windsor and Detroit is a great musical experience ” Detroit has its own sound, you know, it’s not New York and it’s not west coast.”
From the bluesy numbers “Uphill” and “Southbound and Blue”, to the more straight ahead “D’lemma”, one will start to get a feel for the multiplicity of composition on this recording.
Thibodeau even shows us his own take on rhythm changes with the energetic “Slow down Leo”. Not only is he fond of playing different styles, but also different instruments ” Thibodeau moves seamlessly from traditional Piano Trio to Organ, Drums, Guitar Trio. As for the rest of the musicians in the lineup, Barron has an awesome sound and feel on the Bass that perfectly compliment the tunes.
Valdez is an exciting drummer and world renowned Perry Hughes is perfect on guitar with his unmatched sound and technique. “I feel very fortunate to be able to hear my tunes played by these musicians ” I wouldn’t want to have anyone on bass more than John.”, Thibodeau says.
I hope everyone enjoys this recording as much as I do ” there isn’t a tune on it that I didn’t either like immediately or learn to like with time.
Kari Schofield ” Nightlife Magazine
Waiting for JJ
Tier One Entertainment
2004
ALL TRACKS
Personnel:Perry Hughes - g John Barron - b Skeeto Valdez - d
As A Side Musician
White Bread and Hot Sauce
Mudpuppy
Venture Records
1997
Tracks:all
Personnel: Paul Randolph - b Mark Pasman - g Darryl Pierce - d
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 If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com.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.
