Marcus Click Podcast, Ep 159; From Military Service to taking his saxophone playing to another level

As a native of Louisville, Kentucky, Marcus grew up with aspirations of becoming a pro football player, but his goals changed after having committed over 13 years of his young life to the U.S. Navy honorably.

During this time, his love for jazz grew by listening and learning from the late Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn and Kirk Whalum, to name a few.

Marcus says on one account,” I became truly inspired by a phone call from the late saxophonist, George Howard, a conversation I’ll never forget.”

Surprisingly, Marcus would find himself with Rebbie Jackson (sister of Jacksons; Janet Jackson) during her show in Las Vegas. He knew his life was being routed towards a musical journey.

During Marcus’s musical journey, he has received encouragement from famed percussionist, Sheila E. and fellow saxophonists: Nelson Rangell, Najee, his sax mentors: Joe Yorio (Toured with Peabo Bryson), Mel Holder (Grammy & Stellar Award Nominee).

In 2019, Marcus won the AMG’s Instrumentalist of the Year Award.

Also, he has released music singles that have climbed the charts.

Notably, his single, “Brand New Day”, was produced by International Recording Artist, Jonathan Fritzen. It debuted #1 for the most spins (1st week in rotation) for Billboard Smooth Jazz radio stations.

Also, “Together We Stand” charted on SmoothJazz.com Top 50 list and is currently spinning on Sirius XM Radio’s Watercolors and the Music Choice Network.

Marcus is set to release his new self-titled CD “Brand New Day”, this coming Q1, 2023. Some notable Artists, Musicians and Producers include: Mel Holder (multi-talented Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award-nominated artist, composer, arranger, saxophonist, author and pastor), Roger Ryan (Multi-Grammy, GMA Dove nominated, Juno Award-winning Producer, musician, composer & songwriter), William Green (musician, composer, songwriter and producer), Ben Parris (Grammy “Emerging Artist” Award-winner, multi-instrumentalist & producer), Madoca Kawahara (national recording artist, keyboardist & composer), Jonathan Fritzen (contemporary jazz pianist, multi-instrumentalist & producer), Bob Baldwin (contemporary jazz pianist, music composer, author, inventor, radio host and creator of the NewUrbanJazz.com Lounge, and music producer) and Alissia Benveniste (A self-proclaimed funk revivalist, Bassist, multi-instrumentalist & producer)

A little about “Brand New Day”….this compilation of music is about a brief summary of Marcus’s life. It begins with his journey as a young adult to his transformation into a renewed, inspired man, father and musician, which can be noticed and heard by the titles of his songs.

The link to his full biography, along with more Resources for this episode, is on our website.

We talked about:

🎷How tips from Nelson Rangell, Najee and Mike Phillips changed his playing

🎷His pro football path, his service in the US Navy, and how he transitioned into a music career

🎷How he met and stayed with The Jackson Family 

🎷Taking your saxophone playing to that next level

🎷 and much more!

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