Michael Marcus

Michael Marcus (August 25, 1952) is an American jazz clarinetist/multi-woodwind player. He also plays A clarinet, bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, Tarogato, Octavin, as well as tenor, baritone, bass, C melody, straight alto (Stritch) and Saxello saxophones. He is also a composer and arranger. Since releasing his debut recording as a leader, Under the Wire for Enja Records in 1991, he has appeared on more than 35 records for Soul Note, Justin' Time, Not Two, Boxholder, Ayler, Drimala, CIMP and Qwest/Warner. He has composed over 125 original/recorded compositions. Marcus was a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist Grant. His first professional gigs were with Albert King and Bobby "Blue" Bland. Marcus has recorded and toured with the Saxemble (Frank Lowe and James Carter) and with the great Mr. Jaki Byard. With Sonny Simmons, he is the co-leader of The Cosmosamatics w/ 9 recordings and multiple domestic and international tours. Marcus performed in a duo context with master drum legend Edgar Bateman. Marcus and Ted Daniel comprise Duology, which has collaborated with Andrew Cyrille & Henry Grimes. Marcus continues to record and tour with his own group.