Mark Gross

Mark Gross in 2014

Mark Gross (born February 20, 1966) is a Baltimore-born jazz alto saxophonist of the hard bop tradition. He studied at the Berklee College of Music, graduating in 1988, then worked in the band of Lionel Hampton, performing in Five Guys Named Moe on Broadway. He has since worked with a variety of other artists, including the bands of Delfeayo Marsalis, Nat Adderley and the Dave Holland Big Band. Gross first recorded as a solo act with 1997's Preach Daddy,[1] following it up with 2000's The Riddle of the Sphinx [2], 2013, with "Blackside".[3], and most recently Mark Gross with Strings, 2018.

Career

Two-time Grammy award winner with the Dave Holland Big Band, Gross swings and sings with soul and rhythm along today's jazz vanguard. He constantly pushes the music forward, while staying true to the elements of the classic sound. Gross has recorded on over 40 notable jazz recording, including Grammy winning projects by the Dave Holland Big Band - 'What Goes Around' on ECM Records,[4] and 'Overtime' on Dare 2 Records. Gross has recorded 3 CDs under his own name to date. 'Preach Daddy' on King Records, 'Riddle of the Sphinx' on J Curve Records and his latest recording released in 2013 'Blackside" on Jazz Legacy Productions, (JLP). His consistently professional musicianship has led to live and recorded efforts with many of his fellow pacesetters in jazz music.

Gross has toured the world with the Mark Gross Quartet, Buster Williams, Philip Harper, Nat Adderley, Dave Holland, Mulgrew Miller, Nicholas Payton, Delfeayo Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, Nancy Wilson, Jimmy Heath, Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Big Band, Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Tom Harrell Big Band, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Frank Foster and the Loud Minority, Charles Mingus Big Band, Freddie Hubbard, Donald Harrison, Mark Whitfield, Joe Dukes, Captain Jack McDuff, Joe Chambers, Neal Smith, Cyrus Chestnut, Regina Carter, Lionel Hampton, Stephon Harris, Walter Booker, Jimmy Cobb, Don Braden, Vincent Gardner, Lenora Zenzalai Helm, Marlon Saunders, SEPIA, and Jann Parker to name a few. His professional relationships with these musicians and others have been long lasting and far-reaching.

Gross has performed on Broadway several times, as well. He performed in Five Guys Named Moe (1992-1993) based on the music of Louis Jordan. Kat and the Kings (1999-2000). This musical explores the joyous sounds that were born out of oppression during the 1950s in Cape Town, South Africa; Apartheid. Mark has also added to the exciting musical that showcased music of the same title, 'Swing! (2000-2001).

Early life

Gross credits his sound to the rich appreciation for gospel music that resounded through his parents' Baltimore home.[5] Gross' father was the Pastor of his hometown church Mt. Zion C.O.G.I.C. up until his death February 1, 2007. After developing his interests in classical music at the Baltimore School for the Arts,[6] Gross studied one semester at Howard University and four years at Berklee College of Music. Gross has been consistently creating distinctive music. Berklee College of Music awarded him a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance. Two of Berklee's best professors, Joe Viola and Bill Pierce, helped fine tune Gross' musicianship. Upon graduation in 1988, Gross began his professional music caravan in Jazz.

References

  1. ↑ "Preach Daddy".
  2. ↑ Santella, Jim (June 1, 2000). "Mark Gross: Riddle Of The Sphinx". Retrieved 2011-08-09.
  3. ↑ Moten, Frank (February 5, 2013). "Mark Gross: Blackside". Retrieved 2013-01-06.
  4. ↑ Eyles, John (November 20, 2002). "The long awaited debut from bassist extraordinaire Dave Holland's big band, featuring." Retrieved 2011-08-09.
  5. ↑ Himes, Geoffrey (July 21, 2004). "Sax and the City". The City Paper. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
  6. ↑ Himes, Geoffrey (July 21, 2004). "Sax and the City". The City Paper. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
  • Benicewicz, Larry (November 1998). "Blues From the Shortshop". Baltimore Blues Society Magazine. Retrieved March 13, 2008.
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