Home » Member Page

mark peterson

Expect the Unexpected with Bassist/composer Mark Peterson

About Me

Mark Peterson is a musical director, world class bassist and composer. He has performed worldwide for heads of state, royalty, chart topping vocalists, music and film industry icons: President Obama 1st Inaugural Ball Danny Glover/Harlem Arts Shakira Cassandra Wilson* Clark Terry Cirque du Soleil Jason Robert Brown Joan Baez DeeDee Bridgewater Ornette Coleman James “Blood” Ulmer** Nick Cave The BET Awards Mavis Staples/The Staples Singers The U.S. Department of State Ambassadors Program NYIPLA Aida Oliver Lake David Sanborn Imelda Staunton Melissa Errico Mary Black The Dubliners Linda Twine Hezekiah Walker Lou Meyer (The Cosby Show) Lizz Wright Gloria Gaynor Ben E. King Little Anthony and the Imperials Lyle Lovett Maxime LeForrestier Jean-Paul Bourelly Shelby Lynne

Mark’s bass prowess can be heard on major motion picture soundtrack (ex., “Mr. 3000,” starring comedian Bernie Mac, Vernon Reid-chief composer) and several highly acclaimed documentaries, including “As Goes Janesville,” “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners+” and “Through the Lens Darkly.” These documentaries have received special recognition at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival and the Montclair Film Festival.

As a leader, Mark’s CD, “The Blue Room” (available on iTunes) was released to robust reviews and his band has become a favored support act for saxophonist David Sanborn and vocalist DeeDee Bridgewater. A graduate of the prestigious St. Louis University, Mark received degrees in psychology, music performance and French. He now resides in New Jersey. He is an active member of the NJ Film Commission, NJPAC and proud sponsor of the Montclair Film Festival. He works tirelessly with fellow educators, artists, private sector and federal organizations to secure funding for the continuance of artistic programs. Recently, Mark has joined Harlem Arts Foundation, spearheaded by actor Danny Glover.

His interests include: cycling (category 2 cyclist), scuba diving, climbing, “O” course finalist and flyfishing.

*“New Moon Daughter,” Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal; “Belly of the Sun,” Grammy nomination. **”Memphis Blood - The Sun Sessions,” Grammy nomination for Best Blues Performance. +2014 NAACP Image Award.