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Markus Schwartz

Born in Copenhagen Denmark, Grammy-nominated percussionist, recording artist and educator Markus Schwartz has devoted more than twenty-five years to learning the wealth and complexity of traditional Haitian religious music. Moving in and out of Haiti since the early 1990s, Markus followed the lead of Haitian percussionists on pilgrimages into the countryside to learn the intricate and powerful drumming styles of the various lakou—historic religious compounds—such as Badjo, Soukri and Souvenance.

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.

Ches Smith / We All Break: Path of Seven Colors

Read "Path of Seven Colors" reviewed by Jerome Wilson

by Jerome Wilson
October 2, 2021

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 ...

Album Review

Ches Smith’s We All Break: Path of Seven Colors

Read "Path of Seven Colors" reviewed by Vic Albani

by Vic Albani
May 31, 2021

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 ...

Album Review

Ches Smith / We All Break: Path of Seven Colors

Read "Path of Seven Colors" reviewed by Karl Ackermann

by Karl Ackermann
May 20, 2021

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 ...

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Markus Schwartz

by AAJ Staff
July 16, 2007

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): ...

"Percussionist Markus Schwartz came to Miami with a new quartet, (they) embarked on a swinging set of delightful tunes punctuated with dazzling improvised solos. Band leader, Haitian-drums player Markus Schwartz was in great company with a splendid quartet. Few drummers have the aptitude to rise to the level of artistry Markus achieved. This true Afro-Haitian sound will stamp our identity in the jazz world. " - Karl Joseph, Karijazz (May 12, 2010) It'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

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.