Marcus J

Biography
News

Marcus J is an saxophonist rising through the ranks of the Smooth jazz scene. As a product of the great musical city of Nashville, Tennessee, Marcus developed his passion for music at a young age by beginning to play the saxophone at the age of 10. Nashville’s wide range of musical styles and traditions inspired him to develop a unique sound that draws from jazz, R&B, funk, blues, soul and gospel. This contemporary jazz artist also comes from a musical family and found great joy listening to his many musical family members. In 2011, at twenty-two years old, Marcus graduated from college with a degree in Economics and Finance and landed a job on Wall Street. While in NYC, Marcus immediately regained his inspiration for the music scene, specifically jazz. One week, Marcus decided to take a week off, head down to Philadelphia and study under Grammy Award winning producer Elite and the famed Quad Studio who has produced music for hip hop icons such as:  2015 Academy Award-winning hip- hop artist Common (“Glory”)  Def Jam’s Jada Kiss  Grammy Award-winning Artist Nas  Grammy 2014 “Best New Artist” J. Cole That bold move led to opportunities to work in New York venues such as: Ritz Carlton, Bowery Ballroom, Brooklyn Bowl, Village, BB Kings, Underground, Village Vanguard, City Winery, Oz Studio, 5Spot, Rockwood Music Hall, Milk River, Venetian Yacht Club, Harmon Instruments, B with some of music’s most notable personalities such as:  2015 Academy Award Winner, John Legend (“Glory”)  Grammy and Stellar Award-winning Bobby Jones of the Bobby Jones Gospel Show  Hezekiah Walker  Elle Varner  Lyfe Jennings  Raheem Devaughn  Neyo  Cheryl Pepsi Riley  Anthony Hall  Snarky Puppy  Branford Marsalis Marcus is currently an endorsee of Antigua Winds, Theo Wanne, Legere Reeds, and AMT microphones. Marcus debut album entitled “Passion Speaks Louder” which will release in Fall 2015.

Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra To Appear At Bohemian Caverns

Source: Liz Fixsen
January 6, 2014

The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra formed 10 years ago by bass clarinetist Todd Marcus, features outstanding musicians from many states. Its rich sound incorporates straight-ahead jazz with other influences from classical to Middle-Eastern. The orchestra explores a range of moods while swinging hard and showcasing the individual talents of each ensemble artist. The group’s Bohemian Caverns program on January 19 will pay special tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. Jazz critics give enthusiastic kudos to Marcus: “An explosion of straight-ahead ...
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259

Recording

Marcus Johnson Ranks #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts

Source: All About Jazz
June 26, 2009

Marcus Johnson IS Poetically Justified. Award winning jazz pianist Marcus Johnson's latest album Poetically Justified has debuted at #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts within fifteen days of the albums release. Known for his unparalleled success as a composer, producer, record-label founder and businessman, Johnson's eleventh solo jazz record was released on June 2, 2009. In a recent interview with the Washington Post Magazine, Johnson best describes his philosophy in his own words: “In everything you do and dream, ...
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263

Recording

Marcus Johnson's 'Flo ...' CD Trilogy All Hit Billboard Top 15

Source: All About Jazz
September 23, 2008

Three is Marcus Johnson's lucky number this week. His “FLO ... “ CD trilogy all broke Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Charts this week. Released September 9th and after one week of sales the “FLO" (For the Love Of) CDs - “Romance", “Chill" and “Standards" hit the Billboard charts at number 7, number 9 and number 13 respectively. The release of three CDs simultaneously is an amazing accomplishment. And, to have them each hit Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Top 15 at the same ...
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164

Event

Jazz Pianist Marcus Johnson to Perform in Riverside Art Museum Series

Source: All About Jazz
July 6, 2006

Organizers Kick Off New Jazz at Riverside Art Museum Series with Featured Performances by Jazz Pianist Marcus Johnson — MEDIA ALERT — WHAT: Jazz @ RAM featuring Jazz Pianist Marcus Johnson

WHEN: Thursday, July 6th (During Riverside Arts Walk) Performance times - 6 and 8 p.m.

WHERE: Riverside Art Museum (on the rooftop) 3425 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside, Calif.

CREDENTIALS: Invited press may obtain credentials ...
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