As a pianist and composer Marcus Persiani earned an international reputation touring and recording with Cuban band leader and composer Mario Bauzá, Dizzy Gillespie, Andy González and Jerry González, vocalist Vanessa Rubin and bassist Cecil McBee.
—Ron Scott, Amsterdam News
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 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, and also playing in numerous NYC sessions, Marcus's piano skills have shined. In addition, his dynamic arrangements for Mario Bauza"s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra earned Grammy Award nods.
As a leader, Marcus has released albums Uptown Suite and Urban Fictions, trying to capture the sonic essence of urban life. His spring '22 release, Appointment @ Time Square, features conga master Juan “Papo" Pepin. Persiani's new project, The Proper Time, is a recording which features saxophone master George Coleman, along with various ensembles, performing Persiani' original compositions. With this new release, Marcus Persiani embodies the spirit of an independent musician, consistently crafting soulful music. His upcoming albums solidify his role as a captivating force in instrumental jazz.
“He’s an extraordinary player of great fluency and accompaniment with very creative improvisational skill." —Dr. Eddie Henderson, trumpet
“His musicianship is an addition to any group, large or small… a joy to play with!" —Charlie Persip, drummer
“As a pianist and composer Marcus Persiani earned an international reputation touring and recording with Cuban band leader and composer Mario Bauza, Dizzy Gillespie, Andy Gonzalez and Jerry Gonzalez, vocalist Vanessa Rubin and bassist Cecil McBee. Those in Harlem may know Persiani as a longtime member of the Sugar Hill Quartet (led by Patience Higgins) that served as the blazing house band at St. Nick’s Pub during those legendary Monday night jam sessions. The band also enjoyed a long stand at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club’s Friday night jam sessions." —Ron Scott, Amsterdam News
As a leader, Marcus has released albums Uptown Suite and Urban Fictions, trying to capture the sonic essence of urban life. His spring '22 release, Appointment @ Time Square, features conga master Juan “Papo" Pepin. Persiani's new project, The Proper Time, is a recording which features saxophone master George Coleman, along with various ensembles, performing Persiani' original compositions. With this new release, Marcus Persiani embodies the spirit of an independent musician, consistently crafting soulful music. His upcoming albums solidify his role as a captivating force in instrumental jazz.
“He’s an extraordinary player of great fluency and accompaniment with very creative improvisational skill." —Dr. Eddie Henderson, trumpet
“His musicianship is an addition to any group, large or small… a joy to play with!" —Charlie Persip, drummer
“As a pianist and composer Marcus Persiani earned an international reputation touring and recording with Cuban band leader and composer Mario Bauza, Dizzy Gillespie, Andy Gonzalez and Jerry Gonzalez, vocalist Vanessa Rubin and bassist Cecil McBee. Those in Harlem may know Persiani as a longtime member of the Sugar Hill Quartet (led by Patience Higgins) that served as the blazing house band at St. Nick’s Pub during those legendary Monday night jam sessions. The band also enjoyed a long stand at Smoke Jazz and Supper Club’s Friday night jam sessions." —Ron Scott, Amsterdam News
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