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Markus Schwartz
Settling in Brooklyn in the late 1990's, Markus became a sought-after drummer at Haitian religious ceremonies, and was instrumental in creating the ground-breaking Haitian Jazz quintet Mozayik, bringing his informed arrangements of Vodou rhythms to jazz standards, Haitian traditional songs and Mozayik’s original compositions. He has since become a first-call percussionist on the NYC Haitian music scene, performing and recording with a diverse array of artists across many genres.
With an extensive discography as a featured artist on myriad projects, Markus has released four seminal recordings as a leader thus far; Tanbou nan Lakou Brooklyn (2008), Equinox (2011), Vo-Duo Nou La (w/ Monvelyno Alexis, 2013), and most recently Kay Sa (2019), the second Lakou Brooklyn Quartet recording on the audiophile Soundkeeper Recordings label. Current projects include his own ongoing band Lakou Brooklyn Quartet, as well as membership in Grammy-winning saxophonist David Sanchez' Carib project, (nominated for a 2019 Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album) and We All Break, led by the iconic drummer Ches Smith, along with pianist Matt Mitchell and Haitian master drummer Daniel Brevil. Markus maintains an active freelance schedule as well, appearing locally and abroad with a host of talented artists from the Haitian community.
Awards
Grammy Nomination 2019 - Best Latin Jazz Recording - David Sanchez "Carib" Tanbou Nan Lakou Brooklyn - Beat Magazine top ten releases for 2008. Equinox - Stereophile Magazine Recording of the Month Feb 2011
Gear
Extensive collection of authentic hand-made Haitian ritual drums & percussion instruments: Rada, Petwo, Kongo, Banda, Nago, Rara and more.
Tags
Ches Smith / We All Break: Path of Seven Colors
by Jerome Wilson
In his group We All Break, drummer Ches Smith puts together a robust hybrid of the rhythms of Haitian Voudou music and the free- flowing impulsiveness of modern jazz. The basic music and lyrics of the songs here are based on traditional Haitian melodies. The group builds from that foundation, starting with the tangled interplay of Smith and three Haitian drummers, Daniel Brevil, Markus Schwartz, and Fanfan Jean-Guy Rene. Jazz improvisation is stirred into the mix by alto saxophonist Miguel ...
read moreChes Smith’s We All Break: Path of Seven Colors
by Vic Albani
Il fatto che da qualche anno la produzione discografica non sia più nelle strette mani delle multinazionali sta man mano aprendo infinite possibilità per gli artisti più creativi e, quantomeno in questo caso, ai nomi collegabili all'avanguardia. Oramai la situazione è chiarissima per i fruitori della stessa (in breve, a noi ascoltatori). Si brindi dunque e innanzitutto alla pianista-compositrice canadese Kris Davis che ha fondato la Pyroclastic Records nel 2016 (al tempo per trovare sbocco alle sue registrazioni ...
read moreChes Smith / We All Break: Path of Seven Colors
by Karl Ackermann
For some time, drummer/composer Ches Smith kept his interest in the Voudou music of Haiti at bay. Recognizing himself as an outsider in that world, he researched, listened, studied, and after years brought a project to fruition. Smith's group We All Break released their self-titled, self-produced debut in 2017 and received less attention than deserved. Now on Kris Davis' Pyroclastic Records, the outstanding Path of Seven Colors should produce wide recognition. Path of Seven Colors is a two-disc ...
read moreTake Five With Markus Schwartz
by AAJ Staff
Meet Markus Schwartz: Markus Schwartz is a percussionist specializing in traditional Haitian drum music. Markus has traveled extensively throughout Haiti in order to learn the music directly from the source. Markus is a first-call percussionist in the Haitian music community in NYC and has performed and recorded with Haitian artists such as Mozayik (Afro-Haitian jazz quintet), Emeline Michel, Beethova Obas, Azor, Foula, Dadi Beaubrun (Boukman Eksperyans) and Wyclef Jean, among many others. He currently resides in Brooklyn, NY.Instrument(s): ...
read moreIt's always so inspiring when American-based musicians mine the riches of their exotic heritage, and this five-piece New York band offers a stirring invitation to explore the vast rhythmic riches of its Afro-Haitian roots. While listeners are enjoying what on the surface sounds like an appealing mix of classical, jazz, gospel, and funk influences, the 12 multifaceted tracks also aim to teach lessons about various traditional Haitian folkloric drum rhythms (all stunningly played by Markus Schwartz)." - Jonathon Widran, allmusic.com
Primary Instrument
Percussion
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Twenty years experience in traditional Haitian drum music. Extensive travels in Haiti, learning from many master Haitian drummers. Private and group lessons available. Private studio available for classes. Available for performances and lecture demonstrations on Haitian music, dance and culture. Fluent in Haitian Creole.
Clinic/Workshop Information
http://www.teachstreet.com/teacher/markus-schwartz
Photos
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson