CLARINET IS KING AT UNIQUE JAZZ PERFORMANCE IN BALTIMORE

Nationally Recognized Baltimore Bass Clarinetist Todd Marcus Joins Forces with NY Clarinet Great Don Byron to Showcase Distinctive Sound of Instrument in Modern Jazz

BALTIMORE, MD- The clarinet once held a key role in early New Orleans jazz but later fell out of favor to the saxophone as jazz progressed with bebop and louder, faster styles. Today, Baltimore bass clarinetist, composer, and bandleader Todd Marcus pairs with New York clarinetist Don Byron, a trailblazer for over three decades, to present a unique jazz concert in Baltimore on May 21 at the Caton Castle. Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to give voice to the bass clarinet in modern jazz and together, they will present two generations of artists showcasing the potential for the instrument. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. For more information, log onto toddmarcusjazz.com or catoncastle.com or call 410.566.7086.

While they were featured on Marcus’ 2012 album Inheritance, named one of the top 10 Jazz albums of 2012 by NPR, live performances of the two have been rare. Byron’s move a year ago to take a teaching position in Denver at Metro State University and his own performance schedule have kept the Guggenheim Fellowship and Doris Duke Performing Artist Award winner moving constantly. Byron, a prolific composer and performer as well as a former “Jazz Artist of the Year” by jazz’s Down Beat magazine, “sees some of himself” in the upcoming Marcus who has written critically acclaimed music, often incorporating Middle Eastern influences of his Egyptian heritage.

Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Marcus’ straight-ahead playing has carved out a unique voice for the bass clarinet in modern jazz. His music swings hard with both a fiery and introspective intensity but also maintains a strong lyrical sensibility. The bass clarinetist has been voted a “Rising Star” in Downbeat Magazine’s Annual Critics Poll since 2013 and in 2014 was the winner of Baltimore’s prestigious Baker Artist Award winner. The Washington Post writes, "Listeners won't have any trouble recognizing Marcus's compelling gifts for composing and arranging." JazzTimes magazine adds, "In Marcus' hands, the bass clarinet is no longer a specialty instrument. Its unique timbral richness becomes incisive, fully capable of forceful expression."

In addition to Marcus and Byron, the performance will feature Xavier Davis (piano), Jeff Reed (bass), and Eric Kennedy (drums).