Also featuring world class jazz pianist Xavier Davis with Eric Wheeler on bass and Eric Kennedy on drums
Bass clarinetist and composer Todd Marcus is one of the few jazz artists worldwide to focus exclusively on use of the bass clarinet as a primary soloing instrument. His work also includes international performances, clinics, and radio play. Self taught in jazz theory and composition, Todd’s compositions draw largely on straight-ahead jazz and classical influences but over recent years have also increasingly explored the Middle-Eastern sounds from his Egyptian-American heritage. His work has been performed by jazz musicians such as Greg Osby, Gary Thomas, Orrin Evans, Ingrid Jensen, Joel Frahm, and Michael Formanek. His work also includes international performances, clinics, and radio play. Marcus was also a featured guest at the 1st World Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam, Holland where his work was recognized for both his compositions and unique solo voice. Jazz Times contributing journalist David Adler writes, “Marcus…brings a saxophonic rigor to the bass clarinet while also generating enough sonic power to front a nine-piece ensemble…With his melodic imagination and technical aptitude on an unorthodox horn, Marcus has something truly new and personal to offer.” Todd actively leads his fabulous nonet, but also specializes in small ensembles such as the Todd Marcus Quartet, Trio, and Duo as well. September’s performance will feature Todd’s Quartet which uses Todd’s horn with piano, bass, and drums. Todd and his Quartet won First Place in Baltimore’s Chick Webb Competition, held at the 2008 Artscape Festival. Ticket Link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77663  Xavier Davis has performed with many of today's great jazz musicians. He started his professional career by working with the legendary vocalist Betty Carter for nearly two years. He is on her 1996 Verve release "I'm Yours, You're Mine." While still in college and after participating in Ms. Carter's "Jazz Ahead" program, she hired him exclusively as her pianist. The beginning of Xavier?s professional career was also marked by working with drummer, Carl Allen. Carl chose one of Xavier's compositions, "The Message," to be featured on his 1995 Atlantic Records solo release. He worked with trumpeter Tom Harrell regularly from 1997 until 2005. Xavier appears on four of Tom's RCA Victor releases and associate produced "Live at the Village Vanguard." Two tracks from Tom's release, "Wise Children", were arranged and produced by Xavier. He was also a member of vibraphonist Stefon Harris' quartet and violinist Regina Carter's group for a number of years. In addition, Xavier has performed and/or recorded with Freddie Hubbard, Sonny Fortune, Abbey Lincoln, Joe Lovano, Donald Byrd, Bob Berg, Joe Chambers, Gary Bartz, John Faddis, Nat Adderley, Nicholas Payton, Wessell Anderson, Vincent Herring, Antonio Hart, Don Braden, The New Jazz Composer's Octet, Ron Blake, Vanessa Rubin, Nnenna Freelon, Steve Turre, Russell Malone, The New York Voices, Billy Hart, Manhattan Projects and Diahann Carroll, among others. When he is not touring, he is writing music for national television commercials as well as an upcoming PBS documentary.