Michael Marcus

Michael Marcus | Lenwood Turner | John Austria | Rashaan Carter | Clifford Barbaro | Darrell Green | Emannuel Harrold | Jay Rosen | Russell Carter | For Yes! | Not Two Records

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Michael Marcus – Bb clarinet | Lenwood Turner – trumpet | John Austria – Rhodes piano (#1,2,5,6,8,9) | Rashaan Carter – bass | Clifford Barbaro – drums (#8) | Darrell Green – drums (#5) | Emanuel Harrold – drums (#3) | Jay Rosen – drums (#2,4,6,7) | Russell Carter – drums (#1,9). All compositions by Michael Marcus – Marmisun Publ. – ASCAP. Recorded and edited in New York City in May-June-July 2010 at Soulsounds Studios. Mastered by Christian Ravaglioli at Molino Ballardini Studio, Italy. Produced by Michael Marcus and Rashaan Carter. Executive producer: Marek Winiarski for Not Two Records. Art design: Marmisun Productions. Special thanks to all the artists who participated in this unique and special musical communion…To Marek Winiarski of Not Two Records for continuing to believe in my visions…A special, special thanks to my friend Rashaan Carter for collaborating with me to make this art piece a reality. — Michael Marcus, July 2010 Continue reading →

Michael Marcus | Lotus Symphony | Not Two Records

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Lotus Symphony – a serene pool where a forest of sound can exist, because the artists have committed to coming together, symphonically, in the rhythms of light where the tradition of American Improvised Music has no bounderies, celebrated and thus the special bloom occurs. Special thanks: to all the musicians who contributed their artistry in making this recording come to life. Eric Enjem and to Marek Winiarski at NotTwo Records. — Michael Marcus, August 2008 Continue reading →

The Cosmosamatics | Free Within The Law | Not Two Records

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Free within the Law comes courtesy of the Cosmosamatics, the long-term aggregate co-led by Marcus with veteran pioneer and improviser Sonny Simmons. From the first moments of the title track, seemingly boundless New Thing energy is the order of the day, the rough edges even informing the softer-grained textures and luscious clarinet and English horn counterpoint of “Afro Funk”. Uhr-blues pervades the sinewy swing of “May-Lee-High-Young” as its frontline horn dissonances charge their exuberant but reflective way forward. Simmons is in especially fine form here, each utterance and gesture a testament to his rhythmic versatility and dynamic control. Despite these levels of introspection, the energy is ramped back up during the concert portion of the disc, bassist Peter Herbert and drummer Art Lewis providing scorching support on the freneticism of “The Polish Rally,” bringing the disc to a highly charged conclusion. — Marc Medwin, All About Jazz Continue reading →

Michael Marcus | The Magic Door | Not Two Records

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The first album I heard with Michael Marcus was “Ithem” a sax trio with William Parker and Dennis Charles, and I was immediately charmed by this excellent musician. He has a very strong sense of melody and pitch when improvizing, a great sense of swing in his compositions, a clear respect for the traditional form which he recreates in a very open modern format. Whether he plays with Jaki Byard, the Cosmosamatics or in other bands, his core characteristics are always present as they are on this record. He sticks to his clarinet on all songs, with Jay Rosen on drums and François Grillot on bass on most tracks. Daniel Levin plays cello on three pieces and Rahsaan Carter and Eric Revis play bass on one track each, and Newton Taylor Baker drums on one track. Anyone interested in melodic free jazz with a great swing feeling, should look this one up.– Stef’s blog Continue reading →

The Cosmosamatics | Zetrons | Not Two Records

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Zetrons The newest recording by the Cosmosamatics that you are now listening to, represents our story in the new millennium of American Jazz/Improvised Music. Among the musical tales you will experience, Dance of the Zetrons (title cut) represents a dance that is universal throughout the universe. Road Doggs is about the struggle and the strength of a band traveling on the iron horses (trains) in Europe. We also pay tribute here to the great Eric Dolphy and do a rendition of his classical composition, Serene. And of course, the beauty of Sonny’s tribute to Mingus with his suite: Mingus Mangus. We are a “band” – which is rare in Jazz these days. Sonny and I have been collaborating for years to keep the tradtion alive of being a bind (like these great groups: “Modern Jazz Quartet” – “Art Ensemble of Chicago” – “World Saxophone Quartet”, etc.) We are a group of improvisers, bringing a message of peace and healing love for all, trhough sound & sould. — Michael Marcus Continue reading →