Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.
As a native of Louisville, Kentucky, Marcus grew up with aspirations of becoming a pro football player, but his goals changed after having committed over 13 years of his young life to the U.S. Navy honorably. During this time, his love for jazz grew by listening and learning from the late Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn and Kirk Whalum, to name a few. Marcus says on one account,” I became truly inspired by a phone call from the late saxophonist, George Howard, a conversation I’ll never forget.” Surprisingly, Marcus would find himself with Rebbie Jackson (sister of Jacksons; Janet Jackson) during her show in Las Vegas. He knew his life was being routed towards a musical journey.
During Marcus’s musical journey, he has received encouragement from famed percussionist, Sheila E. and fellow saxophonists: Nelson Rangell, Najee, his sax mentors: Joe Yorio (Toured with Peabo Bryson), Mel Holder (Grammy & Stellar Award Nominee).
In 2019, Marcus won the AMG’s Instrumentalist of the Year Award. Also, he has released music singles that have climbed the charts. Notably, his single, “Brand New Day”, was produced by International Recording Artist, Jonathan Fritzen. It debuted #1 for the most spins (1st week in rotation) for Billboard Smooth Jazz radio stations. Also, “Together We Stand” charted on SmoothJazz.com Top 50 list and is currently spinning on Sirius XM Radio’s Watercolors and the Music Choice Network.
Marcus is set to release his new self-titled CD “Brand New Day”, this coming May 12, 2023. Some notable Artists, Musicians and Producers include: Mel Holder (multi-talented Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award-nominated artist, composer, arranger, saxophonist, author and pastor), Roger Ryan (Multi-Grammy nominated & award winner, GMA Dove nominated, Juno Award-winning Producer, musician, composer & songwriter), William Green (musician, composer, songwriter and producer), Ben Parris (Grammy “Emerging Artist” Award-winner, multi-instrumentalist & producer), Madoca Kawahara (national recording artist, keyboardist & composer), Jonathan Fritzen (contemporary jazz pianist, multi-instrumentalist & producer), Bob Baldwin (contemporary jazz pianist, music composer, author, inventor, radio host and creator of the NewUrbanJazz.com Lounge, and music producer) and Alissia Benveniste (A self-proclaimed funk revivalist, Bassist, multi-instrumentalist & producer)
A little about “Brand New Day”: This compilation of music is about a brief summary of Marcus’ life journey, based on the song titles, which carry a message. Marcus’ journey as a young adult came from a single-parent home, but he would blossom into a renewed, inspired man, father and musician, which can be noticed and heard through his music. Marcus really put his heart and soul into this album. This album should be celebrated by many because every day is truly a “Brand New Day”.
= free travel (up to 50 miles)
My set list also includes, but not limited to the following: Contemporary & Smooth Jazz, Pop, R&B and Inspirational; Standards / hit songs by the following artists: George Duke, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Luther Vandross, The Isley Brothers, Four Play, John Legend, Ed Sheeran, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Walter Beasley, Grover Washington Jr., Maxwell, Jill Scott, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Art Porter, Ronnie Laws, Music Soul Child, Stylistics, Joe and various standard inspirational songs.
1. The performance area needs to be no less than 10’x 10’ on a raised or flat surface, unless other dimensions can be agreed upon between the PROMOTER and MUSICIAN.
Location
Time & Date
Duration of performance
A PA System for solo performance is available but would have to outsource for multiple musicians. Lighting is not typcially needed, but can provide for an extra fee.
Yes and will be added to the performance fee, if necessary.
6. MUSICIAN’s Technical Specs for Event:
• SAXOPHONE SPECS:
• (1) Shure BLX14/B98 Wireless Horn System with WB98H/C Cardioid Condenser Mic Band H9 (or equivalent wireless clip-on mic)
• (1) Backup microphone
• (2-3 minimum) Front stage monitors
• KEYBOARD SPECS:
• Motif 88 Keyboard for main keys
• 66 Key Auxiliary Board
• Double-tier keyboard stand
• (1) Sustain pedal
• (1) Piano bench
• (1) Monitor
• DRUM KIT SPECS:
• Yamaha Recording Custom (10”12”14 or 16” floor)
• 22 or 20” kick
• 14” Snare
• 3 Cymbal Stands
• Microphones for the following:
• Sure sm57 – snare and toms
• Beta 57floor tom and kick
• Drum and overhead mics available
• (1) Monitor and (1) Sub
• LEAD/ELECTRIC GUITAR SPECS:
• (1) Fender Twin Reverb Amp
• (1) Monitor
• BASS GUITAR SPECS:
• Aguilar DB750 bass amp (2) Aguilar DB 410 cabinets
• Eich t900 bass amp (1) 4x10 and (1) 12x15 Schroeder bass cabs
• Mark bass minimum 800-watt bass amp (2) 4x10 mark bass cabinets
• GK fusion or legacy bass amp (2) 4x10 GK
1. The performance area needs to be no less than 15’x 15’on a raised or flat surface, unless other dimensions can be agreed upon between the PROMOTER and MUSICIAN.
2. The performance area needs to support a minimum of 5 commercially rated outlets or power extension or power surge unit for no less than 4 MUSICIANS.
3. The MUSICIAN’S Band will consist of the following members: Saxophonist, Bass player, Lead guitarist, Keyboardist and drummer.
4. The festival sound technician must be present during MUSICIAN’s set-up, sound check and live performance. PROMOTER will be responsible in sound production and engineering of band equipment. The venue is responsible for the own sound technician
5. The venue will provide an uninterrupted 30-minute sound check to be performed a minimum of one hour before the start of MUSICIAN’s performance time.
Yes. It's available upon request.
I have performed at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and an NFL Superbowl Event!
I enjoy jazz venues and festivals! However, I enjoy playing at any nice venue.
I started gigging while serving in the U.S. Navy on the side for free, but I really started in middle school for school concerts. Those were great experiences! Now, I have enjoying traveling the country performing in Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Las Vegas and Texas!
Marcus has been inspired by the late Grover Washington, Jr., David Sanborn and Kirk Whalum, to name a few. Marcus says on one account,” I became truly inspired by a phone call from the late saxophonist, George Howard, a conversation I’ll never forget.” Surprisingly, Marcus would find himself with Rebbie Jackson (sister of Jacksons; Janet Jackson) during her show in Las Vegas. He knew his life was being routed towards a musical journey.
During Marcus’s musical journey, he has received encouragement from famed percussionist, Sheila E. and fellow saxophonists: Nelson Rangell, Najee, his sax mentors: Joe Yorio (Toured with Peabo Bryson), Mel Holder (Grammy & Stellar Award Nominee).
My original songs are always part of my set unless it's a special event requesting a specific song(s).
Performances usually can last from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the venue's need. Solo performances are also available.
Yes
Clients can request a few songs, but not the entire set list.
My clients enjoy my performances and usually book me again.
Hospitality
1. PROMOTER will provide beverages at the venue before, during and after the performance. Water, Juice and/or Gatorade-type beverages are preferred and a complimentary meal.
2. BACK STAGE: Water: 16 oz. water bottles – on stage.
PRIVACY ROOM: A decent backstage room/area for privacy, if available, with access to a rest room and mirror. TOWELS: One (1) clean towel for each musician – on stage.
3. A free or discounted meal price will be offered to the Musician and his band members, during the performance time period.
Kappa Alpha Psi Jacksonville Foundation
National Coalition of 100 Black Women
National Football League
Convoy of Hope
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
Edward Waters University
City of Atlantic Beach, Florida
Mayor of Louisville, Ky
Mayor of Orlando, FL
Mayor of Tampa, FL
Lincolnville Museum (St. Augustine, Fl)
Lincoln Foundation (Louisville, Ky)
Middle C Jazz - Charlotte, NC
St. James Live - Atlanta, GA
The Velvet Note - Alpharetta, GA
The Perfect Note - Birmingham, AL
Big Big Too Event Center - San Antonio, TX
Maxin's Jazz - Las Vegas, NV
The Tin Pan - Richmond, VA
“Party at the Plaza” – The Moss Center, Miami, FL
Fogartyville Community Media and Art Center – Sarasota, FL
Atlantic Beach Jazz Festival (Johansen Park), Atlantic Beach, FL
Richmond Jazz Society Jazz Series - Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond, VA
Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival - Tampa, FL
TOBA, Amalia Arena - Tampa, FL
Jazz at the Excelsior – St. Augustine, FL
10th Annual Mayor’s Jazz in the Park – Orlando, FL
Art in the Garden Festival – Jax Zoo & Gardens – Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville Beach Jazz Series - Seawalk Pavilion - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Jacksonville Jazz Festival with Marcus Johnson - Jacksonville, FL
Jazz in Central Park - Louisville, Ky
Jax Seafood & Jazz Festival at Jacksonville Landing - Jacksonville, FL
Derby City Jazz Festival - Louisville, Ky
Lincoln Foundation’s 19th Annual Night of Jazz Concert Ky Center for Performing Arts, Louisville, KY
Wedding
Birthday Party
Private Event
Corporate Event
Hotel / Restaurant Event
Concert
Religious Event
Recording Session
Charity Event
New Year's Eve
1970s Music
1980s Music
1990s Music
2000s+ Music
Jazz
Christmas
Church Music
Gospel
Originals
Pop
Covers
Funk
Motown
R&B
Soul
Tribute
Instrumental
Will travel internationally
Uses backing tracks
Gig Heaven has members, our newest member is (updated )
