Capital Jazz Fest Challenge winner, Marcus Anderson electrifies stages with an unmatchable energy and an intoxicating sound that stretches the definition of jazz. The multi-talented saxophonist, flautist and vocalist from Durham, NC recently released his second solo CD, From The Heart, a much anticipated follow up to My Turn – his stellar debut project. “I put all of my heart and soul into my playing, and that’s where music should come from!” says Anderson.

Anderson, a South Carolina native, is from a large musical family of seven siblings. Growing up, both of his parents sang regularly, but it was his father who introduced him Jazz. Obviously talented, his parents nurtured his musicality and he began performing in church with his older brothers. He graduated from Dorman High School in Roebuck, SC and after graduation he continued his jazz studies at North Carolina Central University. There, he was a member of the program’s world renowned Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Ira Wiggins. He studied with Branford Marsalis and Gospel Saxophonist, Donald Hayes for several years.

His numerous accolades include All-State High School Jazz Ensemble for South Carolina three consecutive years, receiving the Chancellor’s Award three times, having performed for Hilary Clinton and Jesse Jackson, he was a member of the HBCU All-Star Jazz Ensemble as 1st Tenor Sax for three consecutive years and he is a proud member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America.

On Stage

Widely recognized for his natural ability to entertain, he quickly became a first call saxman to perform within groups like Pieces of a Dream and Four 80 East. Marcus has also been invited to perform with or open for Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Everette Harp, Alex Bugnon, Nenna Freelon, Bob Baldwin, Ledisi, Layla Hathaway and many others. With the release of his new album, he is now packing out his own headlining shows at notable jazz venues like Blues Alley in DC, the 2009 Capital Jazz Fest National Challenge Competition and earned a spot on the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. “For me, it’s about the crowd”, said Anderson, “I feed off their energy.”

Notable Live Performances

• Capital Jazz Fest Challenge, Washington, DC - 2009 winner
• Capital Jazz Super Cruise, Bahamas
• Blues Alley Washington, DC – headliner, sold out show
• Carolina Music Theatre, Durham, NC with Ledisi
• The Gardens on El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA
• Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD
• Jazz On The River, Fayetteville, NC
• Fantasia Barrino’s Christmas Party with Anthony Hamilton
• Christmas with Jennifer Holiday, Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC
• Black Film Fest, performed with Malcolm Jamal Warner
• Raleigh Symphony Orchestra State Teachers Convention
• Jazz Under the Stars, Nassau Bahamas
• Carolina Music Fest with Mike Phillips & Boney James
• Downtown Jazz Series, Winston-Salem, NC with Four 80 East & Matt Marshak
• Silver Springs Jazz Festival, opened for Winton Marsalis
• Virginia Beach Jazz Festival
• Old Pasadena Jazz Festival w/ Marcus Johnson