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Marcus Persiani

Marcus is a consummate musician who possesses a diverse musical vocabulary. He’s toured the U.S. and the world with notable artists that include Joseph Bowie’s Defunkt and Willie Colon. He’s also performed with Jerry and Andy Gonzalez, the Impressions, James “Jabbo” Ware, Vanessa Rubin, Savion Glover, and the Apollo Theater Showtime Band. Marcus has also shared the stage with immortals of the pantheon of greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Cecil McBee, Tito Puente, and Charlie Persip (Super-sound). As an integral part of Harlem’s musical scene, he was a member of the Sugar Hill Quartet for nearly two decades in the band’s residencies at St. Nick’s Pub, Lenox Lounge, Minton’s Playhouse, and Smoke (on the Upper West Side).

After hearing his father doodling Debussy at the family piano, Marcus began to play by ear, improvising on songs from the radio. He began private piano lessons with a local teacher. To get an ensemble credit in high school, he was assigned the bass chair in the high school orchestra, but, as it turned out, the keys were his calling: When he heard McCoy Tyner with John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters, and Keith Jarrett, he was inspired to return to his “instrument of origin.”

Marcus attended Grinnell College, the same school that Herbie Hancock attended. From there, he transitioned to the American Conservatory in Chicago, from which he received a B.A. in piano performance. He studied with Willie Pickens, Joe Daley, and Francisco Godino. He also gained an extraordinary musical education playing in the clubs, bars, and dives of Chicago.

Following the multitudes and generations of artists seeking inspiration, Marcus moved to New York City in 1989, which is where he encountered the “Father of Latin Jazz,” Mario Bauza, with whom he toured and recorded. As an arranger, he was inspired and influenced by Bauza. Marcus’s compositions and arrangements were featured on the brilliant trilogy of albums recorded by Bauza’s legendary Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, one of which—“944 Columbus”—was nominated for a Grammy award. Marcus’s arrangements have been performed by many other stellar ensembles as well.
 
As a leader, Marcus has released four CDs: “Uptown Suite,” “Urban Fictions,” “The Proper Time,” and “In Motion.” The “Proper Time” features all original compositions that capture the many musical manifestations and colors heard in urban neighborhoods. This release features master saxophonist, George Coleman. Marcus also released an EP, “Appointment@ Time Square,” featuring conga master, Juan “Papo” Pepin, along with bassists Donald Nicks and Ruben Rodriguez.

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Album Review

Marcus Persiani: Uptown Suite

Read "Uptown Suite" reviewed by Leonard Epstein


Hailing from Chicago, Marcus Persiani has largely managed to escape the limelight, while establishing himself in New York City as an in-demand leader and sideman. The pianist's debut as a leader, Uptown Suite, could be called a manifesto of his considerable and diverse musical abilities, a complete disc of original compositions reflecting a collage of personal experiences. Throughout, Persiani effortlessly juggles two different ensembles while playing music that explores three main themes: his roots in Chicago; his ...

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Recording

Marcus Persiani: In-Motion

Marcus Persiani: In-Motion

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Pianist Marcus Persiani has been recording as a sideman since 1991 and as a leader since 2005. He has terrific command of the keyboard and smart taste in song choices, which is always a plus for me. His trio album released in September, In-Motion (Persiani Music), features Curtis Lundy on bass and Emanuel Harrold on drums. It's superb. You may recall, I reviewed Marcus's quintet album The Proper Time, featuring George Coleman, earlier this month. Both that one and this ...

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Recording

Pianist/Composer Marcus Persiani 'The Proper Time' Features George Coleman, Wayne Escoffrey And More!

Pianist/Composer Marcus Persiani 'The Proper Time' Features George Coleman, Wayne Escoffrey And More!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

Marcus Persiani is a pianist, composer and arranger who has performed and toured with many luminary musicians throughout his career. First influenced by the sound of Debussy's melodies echoing from the piano through his home, he was drawn to jazz greats like Herbie Hancock, Ahmad Jamal, and McCoy Tyner. His journey has taken him from jny: Chicago's vibrant musical scene to New York's artistic hub. While sharing the stage with such artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach and Tito Puente, ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The Proper Time

Persiani Music
2023

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In-Motion

Self Produced
2023

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Urban Fictions

Self Produced
2018

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She Do What She Do

ARC - Artists Recording Collective
2011

buy

Uptown Suite

Self Produced
2010

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