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Marc Cary stands on an unshakable reputation as pianist dedicated to the craft. His fresh styling shows his expansive vocabulary. Cary's earnest orientation towards jazz, where much of his musical foundation lies, proves that he has internalized the idiom. Take his seminal masterwork, Rhodes Ahead Vol 1., released in 2000, is considered by many to be a classic; the Fender Rhodes-laden record signifies 70s free jazz, where the electric piano was oft-times the sonic weapon of choice.
This time around, Cary is going retro and returning to a full acoustic setting. With the FOCUS Trio, featuring Samir Gupta on tabla and drums and David Ewell on bass, Cary's current vision is to bring together East Indian, West African and Native America musical traditions together in an all acoustic setting and blending it into African-American musical culture: jazz. Jazz is the rhythmic approach I'm coming from with FOCUS Trio, explains Cary. FOCUS Trio will release Focus on Motema on June 27.
Cary has had a penchant for cross-cultural musical fertilization. He has fronted several ensembles, each one different musical directions. Indigenous People, which mixes acoustic, electric and is heavily percussive, is an group that Cary constructed in 1998 and he refers to it as the blueprint of his signature sound. Indigenous People recorded a live album in Brazil in 1999 which was positively received. Cary also leads the XR Project (Crossroads Project) which he explains as an extension of Indigenous People but with more of an underground and hip hop flavor. Crossing over additional musical territories, Cary produces house music and electronica under the handle, Marco Polo and has recently worked with Louie Vega.
Read moreIndia.arie - Ginny's - April 13! Special Acoustic Engagement!
Ginny's Supper Club - April - Marc Cary, Winard Harper & More!
Will Calhoun - "Life in This World" Album Release at the Blue Note...
Pianist Marc Cary Releases "For the Love of Abbey", June 11 on Motema...
Announcing the Winners of the "Marc Cary - Focus Trio Live 2009" Contest
Enter the Motema "Marc Cary - Focus Trio Live 2009" Giveaway
Pianist Marc Cary Performs with the Focus Trio on WBGO's New Music...
Pianist Marc Cary Featured at Harlem Speaks May 17th 6:30PM-8:30PM....
Marc Cary's Focus Trio At Sweet Rhythm Fri & Sat, August 11-12
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