Artist description Marc is best known for his soulful writing in the fields of Jazz and Gospel.

Music Style Smooth Jazz

Musical Influences Bob James, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample

Similar Artists Joe Sample, Alex Bougnon

Artist History Born into a musical family, Marc's destiny was predetermined. Every one of his seven brothers and sisters played a musical instrument and of course Marc would be no different. Marc became interested in music very early in life. Marc still recalls the "early years" when he would sit on his mother's lap and bang out songs on the Piano before his feet could even reach the pedals.Marc has always been known for his musical versatility. Not only did Marc play the Piano but he also played the Cello, the Trumpet, the Melophone, the Baritone, and the Tuba in various bands throughout his academic career. But it was outside of school that Marc's musical talents were given the room to flourish. Marc played in numerous bands covering everything from Top 40 to Gospel. It was not uncommon to see Marc playing the Piano in his father's church or even hear him singing Baritone in the choir. Marc capped off his high school career when he was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, which was award by his peers in recognition of outstanding achievement by an instrumentalist in the field of Jazz, as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.After graduating from high school, a time when most people's musical journey would come to an end, Marc's journey had only just begun. Marc continued his work on the instrument that first called him to the World of Music, the Piano. Marc studied the Piano in college for a few years where he was exposed to Classical recitals, and Music Theory. Marc's collegiate career was peppered with standing ovations at solo recitals where he regaled the listeners with concertos from Beethoven and Bach. But Marc did not find the challenge that he longed for in the world of Hayden and Mozart. After leaving school Marc believed that the music had stopped and he had taken his last bow.Shortly thereafter, Marc was approached by his nephew, Robby Bright. Robby was a young saxophonist who was trying to break into the Music business. Robby wanted Marc to play Piano for him on his demo. In November of 1994, after a few short weeks of practicing, Marc and Robby made their first trip to the studio. The fire was back! Marc found that challenge that the Classical world was unable to provide.Marc and Robby teamed together to become a writing duo that rivals the likes of Jam and Lewis and L.A. and Face. Robby credits Marc with writing some of the strongest material on both of his album releases 'Risin' 2 the Top' and 'Sometimes You Just Know'. Marc's songs 'Just Out Jammin' and 'Risin' 2 the Top' peaked in the Top 40 on the Smooth Jazz Charts on the famed Internet Site MP3.COM as recently as June of 1999 and are still there today.Marc still plays with Robby in his band and is constantly working on song ideas for not only Robby's projects but also his own album. Marc's writing style is likened to no other. He possesses his own unique sound. Marc has most recently been seen performing with Robby at the Jubilee Jazz Festival in Louisville, KY and opening for Kim Waters at the 11th Annual Midwest Regional Black Family Reunion in Cincinnati, OH.

Group Members Marc Ellis

Instruments Keyboards

Location Cincinnati, OH - USA

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