Acclaimed bass clarinetist Todd Marcus comes to Theatre Project for three unique jazz performances, March 10 - 12.
Bass clarinetist, composer, and bandleader Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus their work primarily on the bass clarinet. Though use of bass clarinet in jazz typically leans heavily towards avant-garde and free-jazz styles, Marcus' straight-ahead playing has carved out a unique voice for the instrument in modern jazz. His music swings hard with both a fiery and introspective intensity but also maintains a strong lyrical sensibility.
Based in Baltimore, MD, Marcus actively leads small ensembles such as the Todd Marcus Quartet, Trio, and Duo as well as his nine piece band The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra on original compositions and jazz standards.
March 10-12 Theatre Project features the range of Marcus' diverse work by presenting three of his different ensembles including:
March 10 - Todd Marcus Quintet with bass clarinet, vibraphone, piano, bass and drums. The performance will feature compositions written by Marcus to capture elements of his west Baltimore neighborhood where the death of community member Freddie Grey in April 2015 led to the city's subsequent civil unrest. As a musician who has also worked as a community activist in his neighborhood for 20 years (at his nonprofit Intersection of Change), Marcus' new compositions seek to portray both the challenges and strengths of his community and find beauty in each.
March 11 - Todd Marcus Quartet with bass clarinet/clarinet, piano, bass, and drums featuring music from the band's 2012 album Inheritance with jazz standards and Marcus' original compositions that uniquely incorporate Middle Eastern influences into jazz. Includes music performed by Marcus in Egypt at the 2015 Cairo Jazz Festival.
March 12 - Todd Marcus Trio with bass clarinet/clarinet, bass, and drums featuring compositions by Marcus,
Sonny Rollins, and Bennie Maupin. The trio showcases Marcus' harmonically rich improvising and highlights his work transforming the bass clarinet from an obscure peripheral instrument to one of power and intricacy capable of strongly leading a driving small group format.
This production is made possible by grant from the
Maryland State
Arts Council Touring Program
Todd Marcus Quintet, Quartet, and Trio
March 10 - 12, 2017
Showtimes:
Friday, March 10 @ 8pm
Saturday, March 11 @ 8pm
Sunday, March 12 @ 3pm
Tickets:
General Admission - $25
Seniors/Artists/Military - $20
Students - $15
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