Todd Marcus

Bass clarinetist and composer Todd Marcus is one of the few artists worldwide to focus exclusively on the use of the bass clarinet in jazz. Jazz Times contributing writer David Adler writes, "Marcus brings a saxophonic rigor to the bass clarinet while also generating enough sonic power to front a nine-piece ensembleWith his melodic imagination and technical aptitude on an unorthodox horn, Marcus has something truly new and personal to offer."Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Marcus features his work in the Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra which utilizes a 6-horn front line of bass clarinet, alto sax/flute, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone, plus piano, bass, and drums. Comprised of many up-and-coming musicians from Baltimore and Washington, DC, the band combines the broad sounds of a large ensemble with the extended soloing typical of a quartet. The debut recording In Pursuit of the 9th Man (Hipnotic Records) features original music which Marcus arranges to highlight the rich sounds and textures of the ensemble. The music often incorporates jazz with other influences from classical to middle-eastern themes but always swings hard and features strong solos from of each member in the ensemble.Layout Provided By FreeCodeSource.com - Myspace Layouts