Simply Six: Lenny Marcus

  

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there such a defining moment for you?  

     For me, it was when I went to see jazz/blues pianist Ray Bryant perform at Blues Alley in Wash, DC.  He had the whole place rockin, I couldn't believe so much music could come out of one piano! I knew I wanted to be a jazz pianist right then.

2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to?  Who are some of your favorites?

    I listen to so many different bands and performers; some of my jazz favorites are Dexter Gordon, Ray Bryant, James Drew, Keith Jarrett, McCoy Tyner, and my rock favorites are Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie, The Beatles.

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?

   My favorite recording was "Jazzaphrenia," in which I got to play and record with two of the greatest sax players in jazz, Frank Foster of Count Basie fame, and Sonny Fortune from the Miles Davis era.  They each did 4 tunes on the album, and I had so much fun during that whole session.  As far as live performances, getting to play in a big outside jazz festival with Ray Charles' tenor sax man David "Fathead" Newman; that was a blast!

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to?   How much can music influence current events?

   I watched a documentary last year that told of archeologists finding primitive drums and flutes dating back to almost the beginning of man.  I believe music has shaped and continues to shape the world.

   Recorded music and masterpiece compositions can last for centuries, but for me, live music is where it's at; going to live shows, experiencing "once in a lifetime" moments....truly wonderful.

5. How has technology affected the music industry?  How has technology affected your career as a musician?

   I was a regular jazz pianist in New Orleans, LA for 12 years, and one of my gigs was playing solo jazz piano on the top floor of Jackson Brewery, where they made Dixie Beer.  I thought it was a steady gig, but one night I showed up to play, and there was a stuffed bear on the piano seat and one of those "new" CD players hooked underneath the grand piano; the piano was playing itself!  I think it was Oscar Peterson's music playing on the CD.  That changed my life, I went back to school to study other things besides music, just in case piano players were no longer needed.....

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?

  I would be a pair of Frye boots, not sure why, but I had a favorite pair when I was growing up!