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Bio
Dynamic, multi-talented and dripping with soul, Marcus Anderson is an award winning musician with an abundance of career defining accolades all achieved under the age of thirty. With the release of his fifth solo Album Style Meets Substance, the critically acclaimed Pop/R&B and jazz musician’s career is fast becoming one to watch. Hailing from South Carolina, Anderson is currently performing to audiences all over the world as one of the saxophonist in PRINCE’s band the New Power Generation.
“Music moves me, so I want to move others the same way” says Anderson, whose new album Style Meets Substance sees him break away from his traditional smooth jazz roots to deliver another signature record. Infused with R&B, pop, rock and funky grooves, Style Meets Substance is the essence of Anderson himself, soulful, versatile and hard to ignore. Showcasing this electric new record on tour in 2014, Anderson is guaranteed to captivate his audiences with his on stage energy and raw talent.
Style Meets Substance, the fifth solo release from Marcus Anderson is the epitome of his musical influences. His trademark horn playing and arrangements provide an album of beautiful momentum that pushes the sonic experience into an exquisite listening pleasure. Sensual sax melodies, smooth jazz standards, funky grooves and Latin beats are all combined into one 13 track album. All songs are written, performed, arranged and produced by Anderson, demonstrating his constant reinvention of contemporary jazz traditions. Style Meets Substance also features collaborations with renowned musicians Morris Hayes, Nicholas Cole, and horn players from the New Power Generation.
The first single off the new album, No Time to Waste, has Anderson reuniting with prolific instrumentalist and composer Nicholas Cole on a beautiful smooth jazz collaboration. Driven by Anderson’s swaggering sax, Cole’s romantic piano arrangement sparkles through the melody. No Time to Waste is as alluring as the saxman Anderson himself and sure to be a chart success in 2014. Fast becoming a Marcus Anderson jazz standard, the sensual ballad Your Wish Is My Command oozes sexy tenor sax effortlessly weaved through the romantic tune. Leaving you wanting more of his distinctive saxophone crooning, Anderson provides another seductive performance reminding us why he is at the top of his game. Inspired by working with PRINCE, Paisley Red is a musical journey through 1980s funk and synthesised dance beats. Anderson demonstrates his talent as both artist and producer in this up tempo rock jazz fusion integrating heavy guitar, bass and keys. And not one to shy away from the microphone, All About You is the crowd pleasing pop anthem of Style Meets Substance. Reminiscent of the funky talk box track So In Love from his third solo release NOW, Anderson delivers a vocal performance of heartfelt lyrics immersed within the sounds of his rich and velvety horns.
LIVE
Watching Marcus Anderson perform is akin to no other live experience. The tremendous musicianship Anderson displays live is matched only by his energetic, charismatic and joyous showmanship. Heavily influenced by artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown and PRINCE, Anderson’s magnetic stage persona and tremendous enjoyment of being on stage is undeniable. As part of PRINCE’s the New Power Generation, Anderson has played iconic festivals such as the Monteux Jazz Festival and the Curacao North Sea Jazz Festival.
“Touring with Prince has been rewarding in so many different ways. I feel as if I’m in grad school, business classes, and etiquette school all wrapped into one, thank you Paisley University!”
ABOUT
Introduced to jazz by his father at a young age, Anderson was always a passionate student of music and the arts who showed tremendous musical ability. The youngest of seven grew up in a musical family, performing and singing in church with his older brothers. Anderson’s family recognised his talent as a musical prodigy when he was introduced to the saxophone aged twelve. A son of South Carolina, Anderson studied jazz at North Carolina Central University. There he was a member of the programs world renowned Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Ira Wiggins. He studied with Branford Marsalis and Gospel saxophonist Donald Hayes for several years, achieving many accolades along the way including being a member of the All-State High School Jazz Ensemble for South Carolina. Anderson received the Chancellor’s Award three years running, performed for Hilary Clinton and Jesse Jackson and was a member of the HBCU All-Star Jazz Ensemble as 1st Tenor Sax for three successive years. Marcus Anderson is a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Anderson’s breakthrough into contemporary jazz circles came in 2009 as the winner of the Capital Jazz fest Challenge. Since then, Anderson has had a meteoric rise to success, touring with PRINCE, Sheila E. and Anthony Hamilton. Anderson has been honoured to open for and join on stage artists such as Ledisi, Lalah Hathaway, Peter White, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Wynton Marsalis, Alex Bugnon, Nnenna Freelon, Jeff Lorber, Bob Baldwin and Jennifer Holiday.
In 2005, Anderson released his debut album My Turn, a stellar contemporary jazz record the young musician put his heart and soul into. Filled with romantic ballads and jazz grooves My Turn was a sophisticated introduction to what was to come from the up and coming star. At the age of only 24, 2009 saw the release of his sophomore album From the Heart, the offering that put Anderson firmly on the contemporary jazz map. The critically acclaimed record earned strong airplay for both Karsen’s Song and Sparkle City, written about his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. The track Everything’s Clearer was played regularly on the Cable TV network; Music Choice. In 2011, Anderson won the North Carolina Gospel Announcers Prestige Award for Gospel Jazz Artist of the Year. 2011 also saw Anderson’s third record, NOW, launch him into the jazz stratosphere. The multi-instrumentalist’s intent was to challenge his smooth jazz roots, producing a diverse record that reached across R&B, pop and jazz boundaries, showcasing his exceptional growth as producer, arranger and artist. Following the success of NOW, PRINCE called for Anderson to join his band the New Power Generation, where Anderson is currently performing as star saxman and personality.
2014 is shaping up to be a remarkable time for Marcus Anderson. The accomplished musician will be spending the year on the road performing to loyal fans at numerous as yet unannounced performances both as a solo artist and with PRINCE and the New Power Generation. With the release of Style Meets Substance, Anderson is eager for what is to come as he further establishes himself and forges his own path as a successful solo artist, continuing to challenge the status quo of smooth jazz. With his enthralling star quality and showmanship, Anderson is guaranteed to continue to entertain and inspire while creating music he is passionate about as he smoulders on his horn.
DISCOGRAPHY
“Style Meets Substance” 2014, Anderson Music
“Tender Loving Christmas” 2011, Anderson Music
“Now” 2011, Anderson Music
“From The Heart” 2009, Anderson Music
“My Turn” 2005, Anderson Music