In Pursuit of the 9th Man Personnel:Todd Marcus, Leader, Bass Clarinet, Fame Drum, Organ; Russell Kirk, Tenor Sax; Issa Lambson, Alto Sax; Lyle Link, Alto Sax, Flute; Reginald Cyntje, Trombone; Theljon James Allen, Trumpet; Joel Holmes, piano; Jeff Alan Reed, Bass; Mike Kuhl, Drums, Fame Drum; Raul Scott, Guest Soloist, Tenor Sax; Lee Pearson, Guest, Drums. Tracks: Intro, In Pursuit of the 9th, Man, Ma'aelsalama Harper's Choice, Plummeting, If I Should Lose You, Lament, Prelude, A Gentler Sort of Thing, Mr. Sunshine and His Eight Bandits, Pompeii, Psalm.

Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra

Bass Clarinetist-arranger Todd Marcus has released his first album as leader, entitled In Pursuit of the 9th Man. This is a hip new release in which the listener can hear the both the qualities of the Big Band that embraces the small group setting. The nice thing about Marcus scoring, is each of the soloists have ample time to make complete improvisational statements, while being supported by a full ensemble of original composed and arranged material.

The other quality that really stood out to me when I listened to Todd’s music, is how he embraces his culture (Egyptian) and applies musical statements which reflect who he is as a man and musician. This is very hip and allows his music to have a personality that resonates who he is on a personal level. After interviewing Todd at JR247, it also became clear that he was self taught as an arranger and player. In one respect you’d never guess this was the case, for his music is organized, balanced and mature. On the other hand, there is a fire, which resonates on this recording. His bass clarinet playing has an original sound, and his arranging has a style of his own.

The instrumentation on this recording is unique and genuine. The group is flanked by 2 alto’s, tenor, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone and rhythm. I feel this is such an advantage for Marcus. There will not be many ensembles that will copy this particular instrumentation. This orchestration adds to the uniqueness of this ensemble, and if Marcus continues to write for this group, he has an opportunity to create a unique book that should gain some well-deserved recognition.


As for the music, I really enjoyed this release. I especially enjoyed the original material. In Pursuit of the 9th Man, has a contagious melody which feature nice solos from Holmes and Marcus. Ma’aelsalama follows with an interesting melody, an intro by a fame drum played by Marcus and drummer Mike Kuhl. The melody is beautiful and is supported by nice scoring. Drawing from his Egyptian roots, Marcus plays a warm and penetrating solo. Harper’s Choice is a repetitive melody which is layered through some different orchestrations with the ensemble. It is built dynamically and surges into a nice swing feel featuring Issa Lambson on alto.

I also enjoyed Pompeii and Psalm. Pompeii shows Marcus ability to score nine pieces in a suite-like fashion with crafty melodies and beautiful counterpoint. Just a note, Mike Kuhl (drums) adds wonderful energy and support throughout this project. He really drives the band a gives such spark to this ensemble. This is evident on Pompeii, where Marcus and Kuhl play a an improvisational section that is passionate and swinging. Psalm is a tribute to the final movement of Love Supreme, it shows a sensitive and creative side to Marcus in a quartet setting.


There are more gems on this disc that I hope you’ll listen and find as I did, and I recommend this disc without hesitation. Each of the musicians on this session play nice improvisational statements and handle the scores before them with precision. These are young musicians who come and hang it on the line with each and every performance. Their energy is awesome and the ensemble has a bright future.


For information on the music of Todd Marcus, please visit: www.toddmarcusjazz.com