jazz orchestra bios

Todd Marcus - bass clarinetist and composer

Bass clarinetist and composer Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus exclusively on use of the bass clarinet as a primary soloing instrument. Jazz Times contributing journalist David Adler writes, “Marcus…brings a saxophonic rigor to the bass clarinet while also generating enough sonic power to front a nine-piece ensemble…With his melodic imagination and technical aptitude on an unorthodox horn, Marcus has something truly new and personal to offer.” He actively leads both the Todd Marcus Quartet and his large ensemble, The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra. Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Marcus' work has been performed by jazz musicians such as Greg Osby, Gary Thomas, Michael Formanek, Howard Curtis, and Ingred Jensen. His work also includes international performances, clinics, and radio play. He was recently a featured guest at the 1st World Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam, Holland where his work was recognized for both his compositions and unique solo voice


	The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra
	is a nonet comprised of 6 horns ( bass clarinet, alto saxophone/flute, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone) along with piano, bass, and drums. Through the group's instrumentation, compositions, and arrangements, the ensemble achieves a uniquely dark and rich texture of sound. 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. Throughout however, the group swings hard and showcases the strongly individualized soloing of each member in the ensemble.

The Todd Marcus Quartet, Trio, & Duo
all feature the rare use of a bass clarinet in straight-ahead jazz performing jazz standards and original compositions. The Quartet uses Marcus' horn with piano, bass, and drums while the Trio uses horn, bass, and drums and the Duo features the combination of bass clarinet and piano. These groups depart from more common usages of bass clarinet which tend to heavily lean towards avant-garde and free jazz styles. The ensembles demonstrate Marcus' rich harmonic approach and his ability to present the bass clarinet as a hard blowing jazz horn equal to saxophone and trumpet as a front line solo instrument.