Bass clarinetist and composer Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus exclusively on use of the bass clarinet as a primary soloing instrument. His work also includes international performances, clinics, and radio play. He was recently a featured guest at the 1st World Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam, Holland where his work was recognized for both his compositions and unique solo voice. Joining the orchestra that evening will be two special guests –New York based trumpeter Sean Jones and pianist Orrin Evans.
In addition to the concert and with the help of a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council’s Capitol Touring Program, The Jazz Orchestra has offered to open its rehearsal and sound check to any Frederick County Public School student who is studying jazz. The open rehearsal will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. the day of the show, November 6th. Interested students should contact the Weinberg Center’s box office at 301.600.2828 or boxoffice@weinbergcenter.org.
More about Todd Marcus and the Jazz Orchestra
Marcus actively leads both the Todd Marcus Quartet and his larger ensemble, The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra. Marcus calls his style, “modern jazz. We use straight-ahead jazz rhythms and modern jazz harmonies. The music swings hard ... [but audiences] are able to understand it without having any prior exposure to jazz or soloing."
Jazz Times contributing journalist David Adler writes, “Marcus…brings a saxophonic rigor to the bass clarinet while also generating enough sonic power to front a nine-piece ensemble…With his melodic imagination and technical aptitude on an unorthodox horn, Marcus has something truly new and personal to offer.” Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Marcus' work has been performed by jazz musicians such as Greg Osby, Gary Thomas, Michael Formanek, Howard Curtis, and Ingred Jensen.
A nonet comprised of 6 horns (bass clarinet, alto saxophone/flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone) along with piano, bass, and drums. Through the group’s instrumentation, compositions, and arrangements, the ensemble achieves a uniquely dark and rich texture of sound. The music often incorporates jazz with other influences from classical to middle-eastern themes but always swings hard and features strong solos from of each member in the ensemble. Throughout however, the group swings hard and showcases the strongly individualized soloing of each member in the ensemble.
More about Sean Jones
Hailing from New York and visiting as a special guest on November 6th, Sean Jones’ up-and-coming career began with his Mack Avenue Records debut in 2004, Eternal Journey. Since 2004, the trumpeter/bandleader has embarked on a series of quests, recorded five albums, and passionately plumbing the depths of different wellsprings of his life as a musician.
In the process, Jones has developed into one of jazz’s top young trumpeters, known for both his lyrical fluidity and hightier technical facility. In September 2009, Jones was named Artistic Director for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra at the Beck Center for the Arts in Cleveland, OH. He will lead the group in three concerts at the Hanna Theatre in PlayhouseSquare during the Orchestra’s 2009-2010 season.
More about Orrin Evans
Working on projects with Sean Jones, Orrin Evans also hails from New York and plays with his with his own band, which at different times, has included such notables as Ralph Peterson, Jr., Sam Newsome, Ralph Bowen, Nasheet Waits, Reid Anderson, Eric Revis, JD Allen and Duane Eubanks.
The New York Times called Philadelphia pianist Orrin Evans...”a poised artist with an impressive template of ideas at his command.” And Hot House Magazine raved "The clear-cut best pianist of his time." The 1999 Thelonius Monk Competition winner has performed in concerts and jazz festivals worldwide, solidifying his reputation as one of the most provocative new voices in jazz. His aggressive and percussive playing coupled with a solid harmonic sense gives his music a unique and compelling sound.
This tour of the Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra is made possible by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where arts thrive. Funding for the Maryland State Arts council is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
HOTEL PACKAGES
Staying in Frederick? Overnight accommodations can be paired with this show! Stay with our preferred partners at the Frederick Marriott Hotels and save –on the tickets and on your room! Don't miss out on this great deal! For more information, contact Jennifer Alcorn, Sales Manager by phone at 240.215.2064 or by email at jennifer.alcorn@marriott.com.
