Primary Instrument: Drums
Called a “world class drummer” and “a true inovator” by Modern Drummer magazine, Marko Djordjevic has played on over 40 albums and has thousands of live performances to his credit. Matt Garrison, Wayne Krantz, Jonah Smith, Clarence Spady, Lucky Peterson, Jacques Schwartz-Bart, Garry Willis, Hal Crook, Bill Frisell, Lionel Loueke, Aaron Goldberg, The Itals, Chris McDermott, and Eric Lewis are some of the artist he has performed or recorded with since graduating with honors from Berklee College of Music, where he was accepted on a scholarship at the tender age of 16.
One of the finest musicians of our era, Blue Note recording artist Lionel Loueke says: “Marko is one of the greatest drummers out there. He possesses incredible technique, and a musical mind to match it! I love playing with him because he is so creative and unique!”
For over ten years SVETI has been the creative outlet for one of the most impressive and innovative drummers in the world today, the Serbian born Marko Djordjevic. As the composer for SVETI, Marko writes music inspired by the rich musical tradition of his Balkan roots, with a nod to the “western” artists that have influenced him, from Coltrane and Weather Report to Zappa and the Police.
The evolution of the group’s sound is documented on two Benito Records releases, the self-titled debut, SVETI, and the 2001 follow up, Live Kolach.
The working group, in different formations from trio to septet, featuring Brad Mason (trumpet), Eli Degibri (sax), Nir Felder (guitar), Elliot Mason (trombone), Aaron Goldberg (piano) and Matt Pavolka (bass), is currently touring in support of the new album, entitled ‘Where I Come From’, released by Firma Video Entertainment.
Given the above mentioned talent, no wonder Phil Di Pietro of Allaboutjazz proclaims “SVETI is a group of absolutely monster musicians.”
Drummer Marko Djordjevic has written a very beautiful ballad in “Don't Be Sad.” The melody is a simple plea. The playing is virtuosic. Sveti produces a compelling sound. Jazz.com
There is something magical in the way they play, something that pulls you all the way into the music. Quim Cabeza, Bateria Total, Spain
This album by the Serbian virtuoso and his group Sveti invites us on a musical odyssey. Rich in rhythm, color, texture and melody has already won praise from critics in the US. A great musician is inviting you in - feel free to enter! Philippe Legare, Batteur magazine, France
Marko is a world class drummer and composer. He is one of the best and perhaps the most stylistically original drummer in contemporary music today. This CD shows Marko's prowess as a hard swinging jazz player, a master of odd metered folkloric music, an amazing soloist and a truly original composer. Buy this CD! You may just hear the shape of things to come in modern drumming. Lucas Pickford, bassist extraordinaire
Marko's dvd “Where I Come From” is a MUST SEE for all drummers, regardless of their level and stylistic background. It is REALLY MUSICAL and ALL ABOUT THE JOY OF PLAYING DRUMS!! Gregg Bissonette
Marko is an outstanding and innovative musician. This video is a must have for anybody that takes drumming seriously. Antonio Sanchez A very advanced dvd from a superb drummer from Serbia. Discover him immediately - A STAR IS AMONG US! Philipe Legare, Batteur Magazin, France
World class drummer Marko Djordjevic's dvd is intimate, sincere and educational. The high quality of information and outsdanding performances make it a dvd from which much can be learned once it has been properly digested. Mike Haid, Modern Drummer He certainly has his own sound as a drummer and is very musically minded. This all comes across very well in what is one of the best drumming DVDs I have seen in a while. I enjoyed everything about this DVD and think everyone should know about Marko. He plays the drums beautifully and makes you want to get better and to top it off he seems like a really nice guy too. Some guys have it all and he’s one of them. Get it! Chris Persiva, mikedolbear.com England’s premier drumming website
Question: How does one reconcile musicality and stunning technique? The answer: All the indispensable technical advice on this dvd is given from a tremendously musical perspective. Between chapters there are magical performances of the music Marko wrote for his band Sveti. Quim Cabeza, Bateria Total, Spain
Primary Instrument:
Drums
Credentials/Background:
Member of faculty at the Drummers Collective in NYC
Also teaching privately in NYC.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
A composer and band leader as well as a drummer, capable of directing a clinic into a wide range of topics, from drum tecnique specifics, to discussions about harmony, band interplay, improvisation, compositional issues, etc.
Check out clinic footage at
http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/marko_djordjevic.html
under the heading PASIC CLINIC 2008
