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Lenny Marcus

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 Batist, 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."

Gear

Yamaha conservatory model grand piano Yamaha and Kurzweil keyboards Powell flutes, bass, alto, C flutes


Tags

2
Radio & Podcasts

Kris Davis, Cole Porter & Lenny Marcus

Read "Kris Davis, Cole Porter & Lenny Marcus" reviewed by Joe Dimino


Washington DC-area pianist Lenny Marcus begins the 755th Episode of Neon Jazz with new material off his latest 2022 album When a Door Opens. We also hear new works from Ermelinda Cuellar, Kristina Koller and the Diva Jazz Orchestra. Balancing all this new material are classics from The California Ramblers, Aretha Franklin and Muggsy Spanier. A fitting end of this hour comes from the Hard Bop Messengers with new music off a tasty live album. Dig the jazz, my friends. ...

31
Album Review

Lenny Marcus Trio: When a Door Opens

Read "When a Door Opens" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Whenever Lenny Marcus sits down to play the piano, elegance and finesse are sure to follow. Such is the case on When a Door Opens, wherein Marcus leads his trio—Zachary McDonald on bass and Denver Nuckolls on drums—through a series of persuasive tributes to his musical heroes, one of whom--Dexter Gordon--is not a pianist, and another--Ludwig von Beethoven--who is best known as a composer. Besides Gordon and Beethoven, Marcus' honorees include Dave Brubeck, Vince Guaraldi, McCoy Tyner, ...

334
Take Five With...

Take Five With Lenny Marcus

Read "Take Five With Lenny Marcus" reviewed by Lenny Marcus


Meet Lenny Marcus: 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. Marcus has played in three New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festivals, two international festivals ...

Read more articles
"Brubeck meets Beethoven!"

"Their jazz is infectious!" David Zych, JAZZ TIMES Magazine, 2006

"Marcus resembles Keith Jarrett," Cadence Magazine.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

When a Door Opens

Self Produced
2022

buy

Moving Fourth

Self Produced
2016

buy

The Jazz of Beethoven

Self Produced
2011

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Videos

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