The Marc Why Group profile picture

The Marc Why Group

About Me

NEWS!!

Check our Gig List for upcoming shows!
Band Stuff:
Winners -- 2007 Orange County Music Awards for "Best Instrumental Music!"
"Best Jazz Artist," 2005 Orange County Music Awards!
Buy our CD now!


The Marc Why Group is a Southern California-based jazz quartet specializing in performing modern jazz and modern renditions of classic jazz standards.
The MYG was formed in 2003 when Orange County psychologist Dr. Marc Ybaben had the vision of playing in a jazz combo that focused on “something different” while providing audiences with high-quality, creative, and exciting jazz.
“Jazz bands run a similar risk as do symphony orchestras,” Marc stated in a recent interview. “That is, if they play just ‘the same old stuff’ that audiences know, the music gets dull and the audience eventually gets bored. There needs to be a mix of old and new, classic and cutting edge, to keep both the musicians and audience interested and wanting to hear more.” This unique philosophy sets the MYG apart, and brings an excitement to every performance.
In a typical performance, audiences hear a range of songs from classic composers like Gershwin, Jobim and Miles Davis, all the way to modern greats: Tom Harrell, John Scofield, Dave Holland and John Moulder. From the response at performances, the mix works.
The MYG and its members have performed at numerous public and private events throughout the area, including clients/venues such as: The Laguna Playhouse, Seven Degrees Art Gallery, The Lighthouse, The Red Chair Lounge, Tivoli Terrace, The Long Beach Museum of Art, Portfolio Coffeehouse, The Richard Nixon Library, the Pasadena Convention Center, and the Coachhouse Theatre, where they have recently opened for several world-reknowned acts such as Chuck Mangione, Larry Carlton, Marcus Miller, and the Tony Levin Band!
In 2005 The MYG released its debut CD, Keep Me in Mind, which was recorded locally at the Headway Music Complex in Orange County. The recording has already earned them the distinction of “Best Jazz Artist” of the year and "Best Instrumental Music" at the Orange County Music Awards!

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 29/10/2006
Band Website: www.marcwhygroup.com
Band Members: The Marc Why Group is:
Rial Gallagher: saxophones
Pat Morvan: bass
Dave Woods: drums
Marc Ybaben: guitar
and on the CD, also featuring
Nick Phillips: trumpet
Influences: Too many to list! Of course, the heavy-weights: Miles, Trane, Monk, Dizzy, Chick, Lovano, Tom Harrell, Sco, Wayne, Herbie, Jim Hall, Joe Diorio, John Williams, Julian Bream, Mick Goodrick, Jerry Bergonzi, John Abercrombie, Hal Crook, George Garzone, Hendrix, Zep, Sabbath, Jaco, Steve Khan, Metheny, Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, et al.
Support these Modern Cats: John Moulder, John Stowell, Chris Potter, Adam Rogers, Steve Cardenas, Matthias Lupri, Ben Monder, Peter Bernstein, Mark Turner, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Gian Tornatore, et al. More to come!
Sounds Like: Why do we have to sound like someone else?!
We sound like us!
Record Label: Sharp Five Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Guitar Endorsement!

Just a quick update: Marc has recently been selected as an endorser for SPG Custom Guitars! His semi-hollow, tele-style jazzer is about finished, so a review will be forth coming. Stay tuned!
Posted by on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:52:00 GMT

Orange County Music Awards Winners!

We won! Last night, The Marc Why Group received the prize for the "Best Instrumental Music" category at the Orange County Music Awards!  It was an exciting night, with lots of good music overall,...
Posted by on Sun, 01 Apr 2007 13:05:00 GMT

Brecker: RIP

Just a quick note to all the jazz fans out there: Michael Brecker passed on earlier today.  The master tenor sax player had been battling cancer for a while, and he will be sorely missed.  B...
Posted by on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 22:10:00 GMT

Battle Blues!

Hi Everyone, Just a quick update on the Earcandy Cabs/FedEx "Battle of the Bands:" We didn't win (aahhh!), but it was great being a part of the contest and being recognized as one of the Finalists.&nb...
Posted by on Sun, 26 Nov 2006 10:59:00 GMT

B o' B Finalists!

Hello World of MySpace! This is just a quick note to say Hello, and to announce that The Marc Why Group was selected as one of the top finalists for the EarCandy Cabs Battle of the Bands!!  Earca...
Posted by on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:19:00 GMT