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 jazz, with superb supporting roles played by the rest of his band” (Downbeat, January 2013) — “Marcus' mastery of the regular clarinet...turns the licorice stick into an instrument of power and expressiveness” (Jazz Times, December 2012)—"Marcus' improvising—hard-nosed and rhythmic and almost always revelatory” (CapitalBop.com, November 2012).
The program will include Todd Marcus originals “The Blues for Tahrir Suite,” inspired by the 2011 uprising in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, part of the “Arab Spring” movement, and “Many Moons,” with multiple movements reflecting the various phases of the moon.
To honor Dr. King, the group will perform an original composition by Marcus called “Psalm for Salvation,” inspired by the challenges of the Civil Rights movement. The work attempts to capture the loneliness and despair felt by King and others in the movement at points during the struggle, but also the collective power and redemption that culminated in the triumph of the movement.
In addition to Marcus, the ensemble includes Greg Tardy (tenor sax), Brent Birkhead (flute and alto sax), Russell Kirk (alto sax), Alex Norris (trumpet), Alan Ferber (trombone), Xavier Davis (piano), Jeff Reed (bass), Eric Kennedy (drums) and Irene Jalenti (vocals).
Bohemian Caverns is located at 2001 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For reservations visit bohemiancaverns.com
TODD MARCUS ORCHESTRA TOUR DATES
Jan 17, at 3 PM, Chamber Music America Conf. New York, NY
Jan. 17 at 8 & 10PM, Chris’ Jazz Café, Philadelphia, PA
Jan. 18 at 8 & 9:30 PM, An die Musik Live,Baltimore, MD
Jan. 19 at 7 & 8:30 PM, Bohemian Caverns,Washington, D.C.
Jazz critics give enthusiastic kudos to Marcus: “An explosion of straight-ahead jazz, with superb supporting roles played by the rest of his band” (Downbeat, January 2013) — “Marcus' mastery of the regular clarinet...turns the licorice stick into an instrument of power and expressiveness” (Jazz Times, December 2012)—"Marcus' improvising—hard-nosed and rhythmic and almost always revelatory” (CapitalBop.com, November 2012).
The program will include Todd Marcus originals “The Blues for Tahrir Suite,” inspired by the 2011 uprising in Egypt’s Tahrir Square, part of the “Arab Spring” movement, and “Many Moons,” with multiple movements reflecting the various phases of the moon.
To honor Dr. King, the group will perform an original composition by Marcus called “Psalm for Salvation,” inspired by the challenges of the Civil Rights movement. The work attempts to capture the loneliness and despair felt by King and others in the movement at points during the struggle, but also the collective power and redemption that culminated in the triumph of the movement.
In addition to Marcus, the ensemble includes Greg Tardy (tenor sax), Brent Birkhead (flute and alto sax), Russell Kirk (alto sax), Alex Norris (trumpet), Alan Ferber (trombone), Xavier Davis (piano), Jeff Reed (bass), Eric Kennedy (drums) and Irene Jalenti (vocals).
Bohemian Caverns is located at 2001 11th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For reservations visit bohemiancaverns.com
TODD MARCUS ORCHESTRA TOUR DATES
Jan 17, at 3 PM, Chamber Music America Conf. New York, NY
Jan. 17 at 8 & 10PM, Chris’ Jazz Café, Philadelphia, PA
Jan. 18 at 8 & 9:30 PM, An die Musik Live,Baltimore, MD
Jan. 19 at 7 & 8:30 PM, Bohemian Caverns,Washington, D.C.
