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Capital Jazz Fest 2009
http://www.capitaljazz.com/2009/

More on Marcus Anderson

Durham, N.C.

www.marcusanderson.net

At the age of 24, saxophone prodigy and vocalist, Marcus Anderson, electrifies stages with an unmatchable energy and an intoxicating sound that exceeds well beyond his years. Anderson's debut album "My Turn" is an upbeat collection of soulful R&B moods, ranging from bold jazz grooves to romantic ballads.

Anderson, still a jazz studies student at North Carolina Central University, is also a member of the program's world-renowned Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Ira Wiggins. Anderson has auditioned for and been a part of the HBCU National All-Star Band for 3 consecutive years on tenor saxophone. Anderson has also already had the chance to play with or along side many of his musical influences and share the stage while touring with jazz pianist Marcus Johnson and performing with Bob Baldwin, Wynton Marsalis, Bradford Marsalis, Ledisi, Kenny Navarro, Alex Bugnon, Mike Phillips, Eric Darius, Norman Brown, Brian Culberson and Kevin Griffin. Anderson has also shared the stage with Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Everette Harp, David Dyson, Chip Shearin, and Layla Hathaway, just to name a few.

Anderson (a Spartanburg, South Carolina, native) was introduced to the saxophone at age 12. As a member of a large musical family of 7 siblings where both his mother and father sing regularly, Anderson's gifts as a musical prodigy were nurtured early. He began singing and playing in the church along side his brother Alphaeus at the age of 13. "Gospel music is where I get the expression and the feeling I put towards my own music," said Anderson. But it was his father who introduced him to the then budding music referred to as Smooth Jazz.

"Everything comes out on this record exactly the way I wanted it to," said Anderson. Anderson co-produced, wrote, and arranged "My Turn" and the notable "M-Pressions," also his live backing band, backs him. "My Turn" offers hints of the musicians that inspire Anderson. The album offers whispers of Kirk Whalum, Donald Hayes, and Everett Harp. But none of his inspiration would not be possible without GOD who is the essence of him and everything that is.

The sophisticated soulful ballad "That's the way it Goes," is inspired by romantic reflections of Anderson's. The album's title track, "My Turn," "is meant to catch you off guard," said Anderson. It is an "instrumental bio" of Anderson's growth as a musician.