By Douglas Payne

Although born in New York City (Jan.29,1967), Marc experienced his formative years in Chocolate City. His parents are musician/artists (his father is a percussionist, his mother a cellist/painter who also crafts jewelry) who naturally nurtured young Marc's successive forays into cello, trumpet and drums. Indeed, the playing of instruments was an old family tradition. "My great-grandmother, Mae York Smith, used to play piano in theaters accompanying silent movies," recalls Marc. "She used to play duets with Eubie Blake they would switch up left hand /right hand. She lived to be 100 years old. My mother's father is a trumpet player, first cousin to Cootie Williams--played in his band down South. Duke called him but he decided to stay and raise the family."

Like every young kid with an axe before him, Cary joined the HIgh Integrity Band & Show, one of DC's many Go-Go bands. Finding the drum & trumpet chairs already filled, he began to dabble in synths and Fender Rhodes. Showbiz can be a pretty elixir for a teenager-- he dropped out of high school at 16. As he slid into the Go-Go highlife, young Marc's descent was turned around by two guardian angels. "Eleanor Oxendine in Maryland one of my first rudimentary teachers, taught me how to read and gave me access to her studio," says Cary. "She eventually employed me to teach the kids. At RAP Inc.(DC community activist center) I met Daniel Witt, he hipped me to piano, I developed a real appreciation for it."

Now A young man with a mission , Cary quit the Go-Go and passed his exam to enter Duke Ellington School. Three years later, the now 20 high school grad was feeling New York. Finishing up post-grad studies with local heroes John Malachi and Calvin Jones, our man caught the first Greyhound outta town. "I came to the city at 21 with twenty dollars in my pocket-- now I have 40 bucks to my name," laughs Marc. "I hooked up with Beaver Harris and Mickey Bass." Impressed with their new friend's humble vibe and sneakily meditative piano swing, these two elders schooled and guided Cary through the underground. Soon, Arthur Taylor's Wailers and Betty Carter beckoned. Cary would tour and record with both (MR. AT and DROPPIN' THINGS, respectively). Working with these masters not only strengthened his chops, he found his center. "From AT I learned everything, life, his life, what to do what not to do --always be prepared and get your money up front. From Betty, I learned 'Tight'-- how to be on top, the etiquette of being a musician."

Cary's education continues today in Abbey Lincoln's band. Of Lincoln, he says, "She's my mentor, one of my favorite persons. She teaches me you got to claim shit -- I've learned allot of music with her and how to personalize it, take it more serious. (check out Marc's accompaniment skills on Abbey's latest record, WHOLLY EARTH).