Michael Marcus

Michael Marcus has been an active member of the New York jazz scene for over twenty five years. In the 1980's and 1990's Michael became a prominent figure on the “free jazz” scene...while always staying connected to the tradition!

Since releasing his debut recording as a leader, “Under The Wire” for Enja in 1991, he has continued to be part of the cutting edge in American improvised music, touring the festival and club circuits both in the US and Europe, as well as appearing on over thirty records for Soul Note, Justin' Time, Not Two, Boxholder, CIMP & Qwest/Warner.

He has performed/recorded with: Albert King, Bobby Blue Bland (w/Mel Brown, Wayne Bennett & Morris Atchison), Sonny Simmons, Jaki Byard Trio, Rahn Burton, Billy Higgins, Carlos “Patato” Valdes, Ted Daniel, Henry Grimes, Joe Walsh (Eagles), Nasheet Waits, Tarus Mateen, Jymie Merritt, Alvin Fielder, Chris Parker, Oliver Truchot, Warren Smith. Vince Wallace, Fred Hopkins, Philip Wilson, “Bishop” Norman Williams, B.J.PAPA, John Handy, Clifford Barbaro, Masa Kamaguchi, Bob Cunningham, Roy Campbell, Steve Neil, Eddie Henderson, Larry Hancock, Hideji Taninaka, Joe LaBarbra, Jay Rosen, Mel Graves, Charles & Cody Moffett, Chris Sullivan, Reggie Nicholson, Carlos Ward, Aaron James, Radu Williams, Matt Brewer, Eric Revis, Richard Clements, Herbie Lewis, Joe Bonner, Sid Simmons, Taru Alexander, Andrew Cyrille, Roswell Rudd, Rashaan Carter, Antoine Roney, Dave Burrell, Daniel Levin, Francois Grillot, Eric McPherson, John Bacon Jr., Greg Piontek, Vincent Chancey, Henry Threadgill, Luther Thomas, Bob Arkin, Tom Bruno, Art Lewis, Peter Herbert, Emil Ram, John Patton, Scott Colley, Curtis Lundy, Bob Feldman, Xavier Davis, Gene Jackson, Darrel Green, Emanuel Harrold Reggie Workman, Tyler Mitchell, Sonny Rhodes, Donald Smith, Eddie Gladden, Dominic Duval, Cecil Wells, Newman T. Baker, Georg Wolf, Bruce Edwards, Sadiq Abdushahid, Chris Amberger, Grant Levin, Don Alberts, Kiane Zawadi, Wade Barnes, Makoto Sato, Itaru Oki, Charlie Collins & Gary Strauss. Also, w/ Makanda Ken McIntyre Ensemble, Grachan Moncur's Big band, Zane Massey's “Liberation Suite”, Jemeel Moondoc's JUS GREW Orchestra (w/Steve Swell,Bern Nix,Chad Taylor, Gerald Cleaver, N.Breedlove & Tyronne Hill), Joe Bowie's Defunkt & the Saxemble (w/ Frank Lowe, James Carter & Cindy Blackman)- (2005) performing in a duet with drum great: Edgar Bateman & many more great artists.

Michael in 1997-8 had the pleasure to record & tour with the late great Mr.Jaki Byard!.....He is extremely active in the 2000's. Co- leading the “Cosmosamatics” w/ Sonny Simmons (touring & recording)- the Cosmosamatics have 8 CDs released. Mr.Marcus has seen the release of “Ithem” for Ayler records- a 1993 date w/ William Parker & Denis Charles, his first unaccompanied recording “Speakin' Out” (Drimala, 2002). He also cut two trio recordings for SoulNote Records-”Blue Reality” & “Soulifications”(w/ Tarus Mateen & Jay Rosen or w/ Nasheet Waits)

Current projects are: “Duology”, an innovative duo of brass and Bb clarinet where he joins forces w/ Ted Daniel-w/their new release “Golden Atoms” on SoulNote, also “Michael Marcus & Magic Door”, a new and flexible group representing Michael's release for Not Two, “The Magic Door”. Michael is currently focusing on his recordings & performances with the Bb clarinet, exclusively.

While Michael continues to grow into new visions in the new millenium, he is now also presenting his music in the format of the traditional quartet/quintet of- “Clarinet-piano-bass-drums & percussion”, keeping a flame alive! This group in includes: Jessie Crawford, John Austria, Charlie Taylor, amongst the members. Michaels'newest release is now also out on Not Two Records “Lotus Symphony”(www.nottwo.com-Nov.2008)w/ Taru Alexander, John Austria, Rashaan Carter, Radu Ben Judah, Jay Rosen & special guest:Antoine Roney! (2009) Jazz clarinetist: Michael Marcus latest NYC performances have included- Alan Jay Palmer-Rashaan Carter, Russell Carter, Dezron Douglas, Francois Grillot, David Bryant, Denton Darien, Benito Gonzalez & trumpeter Lenwood “Woody” Turner, performing his latest compositions in his quartet! 2010-The Cosmosamatics tour! -2011: Michael's newest release on NotTwo-”For Yes!”

upcoming release:Duology/Andrew Cyrille- on Jazzwerkstatt!

Our message: Peace!

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