Born: June 4, 1960 Primary Instrument: Piano
Lenny Marcus hails from Washington, DC, but studied, performed and recorded for many years in New Orleans, LA, before relocating to Roanoke, VA. He is leader on 18 albums, and has studied and recorded with many jazz legends, including David “Fathead” Newman, Brian Lynch, Sonny Fortune, Frank Foster, Charlie Byrd, Herb Ellis, Alvin Batiste, Ellis Marsalis, Jane Powell and many others.
His music has been featured on the National Weather Channel (many songs over the last several years), NPR’s ALL that Jazz and ALL Songs Considered. Two of his songs were finalists in the ISC international song writer’s competition. Marcus has played in three New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals, two international festivals in Barbados and Grenada, and his music has been used for many years on the National Weather Channel's Local on the Eights and CNN's Heroes series. His music ranges from modern, contemporary upbeat jazz to a more meditative, contemplative approach. Lenny is a highly trained jazz pianist who also plays flute and adds vocals. His compositions are refreshing and uplifting, and he has been compared to Vince Guaraldi, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, Mose Allison-type vocal style, Ray Bryant, and many others. His original melodies and harmonic counterpoints also provide a high potential for film/TV soundtracks.
Awards:
First place, "gold," best local musician Roanoke VA Finalist, ISC International Song Writer's competition for two songs , "In the Middle Of The Night." and "Castor and Pollux." Finalist, JPF competition, for song "Alexandra" and album "Deeper, Still."“Their jazz is infectious!” David Zych, JAZZ TIMES Magazine, 2006
“Marcus resembles Keith Jarrett,” Cadence Magazine.
