Mark Harrison Quintet

The Mark Harrison Quintet is back with a collection of rewarding new tunes, entitled “Are We There Yet?”. This CD features ten new compositions by Mark Harrison and is the Quintet’s first recording since their groundbreaking debut album “The Road Ahead” in 2002.
Mark’s goals for the Quintet and for their latest CD are very simple. “I want to chart our own territory in the jazz world, by creating substantive and interesting music that is accessible to the ear of the listener”, says Mark, “I’m thrilled when people come to our shows who are not diehard jazz fans, and yet they still feel our grooves and hum our tunes when they leave”.
“Are We There Yet?” is characterized by Mark Harrison’s infectious melodies, harnessed to some powerful grooves on the funky side of jazz, and served up with sophistication and style. “I am very fortunate to have some of the best players in L.A. help bring my compositions to life”, Mark explains. “Most of the record was played live in the studio, and I think we captured the warmth and energy that we bring to our live shows”.
Mark’s composing and arranging also reflects a particular philosophy about contemporary jazz. “While I have some wonderful improvisers in the band who definitely get a chance to shine, our solos are always there to enhance the tune, rather than our tunes just being a vehicle for jamming” says Mark, “This again helps us to have broad appeal beyond just the jazz community”.
The Quintet is currently playing various club dates, outdoor events and festivals in the Los Angeles area. Their music reaches beyond the world of jazz, to create new fans and converts wherever they perform.
Quintet Biographies:
Mark Harrison is a Keyboard Magazine columnist and a Grammy-winner endorsed educational author whose books are used by thousands of musicians worldwide. Mark’s TV music credits include Saturday Night Live, American Justice, Celebrity Profiles and many others, and as a player he has shared the stage with top pros such as Jimmy Haslip, John Molo and Jay Graydon.
Rick Rossi is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer. He has performed with top artists such as Ray Charles, George Duke, Bobbie Caldwell and The Brian Setzer Orchestra. His movie & TV credits include L.A. Confidential, Mambo Kings, Star Trek, ER, and Friends.
Mark Chosak is an experienced composer, guitarist and producer. His music credits include the Addams Family Movie and Halloween 5, as well as many top-selling software games. His jazz CD ‘Perception’ features top pro players such as Bob Sheppard, Ric Fierabracci, Jason Harnell and Bill Fulton.
Steve Billman is a member of the bass faculty at the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA). An accomplished performer and studio musician, he has worked with heavyweights such as Frank Gambale, Alex Acuna, Rob Mullins, Pat Kelley, Tom Brechtlein and Gary Novak, to name a few.
Matt Starr is a member of the drum faculty at the Los Angeles Music Academy. A native of Toronto, he moved to the L.A. area in 2001 and soon began performing with top professionals such as Russell Ferrante, Steve Tavaglione, Kevyn Lettau, Jeff Richman, and Joe Bagg.