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Mark Harrison Quintet: Home

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Welcome to the Mark Harrison Quintet website. From left-to-right in the photo, the lineup is: Matt Starr (drums), Steve Billman (bass), Mark Harrison (keys), Rick Rossi (sax) and Mark Chosak (guitar).

The Quintet is back with a collection of rewarding new tunes, entitled “Are We There Yet”, released in late 2005. This CD features ten new compositions by Mark Harrison and is the Quintet’s first album since their groundbreaking debut recording “The Road Ahead” in 2002.

Mark’s goals for the Quintet and for their latest CD are very simple. “I want to chart our own territory in the jazz world, by creating substantive and interesting music that is still accessible to the ear of the listener”, says Mark, “I’m thrilled when people come to our shows who are not diehard jazz fans, and yet they still feel our grooves and hum our tunes when they leave”.

“Are We There Yet” is characterized by Mark Harrison’s infectious melodies, harnessed to some powerful grooves on the funky side of jazz, and served up with sophistication and style. “I am very fortunate to have some of the best players in L.A. help bring my compositions to life”, Mark explains. “Most of the record was played live in the studio, and I think we captured the warmth and energy that we bring to our live shows”.

Mark’s composing and arranging also reflects a particular philosophy about contemporary jazz. “While I have some wonderful improvisers in the band who definitely get a chance to shine, our solos are always there to enhance the tune, rather than our tunes just being a vehicle for jamming” says Mark, “This again helps us to have broad appeal beyond just the jazz community”.

The Quintet is currently playing various club dates, outdoor events and festivals in the Los Angeles area. If you would like to notified of upcoming shows and events, please join the mailing list!