Mark Eisenman Quintet
December 1 & 2 @ 8:30 Pm
Mark Eisenman - Piano
Pat LaBarbera - Saxophone
John Macleod - Trumpet
Pat Collins - Bass
Terry Clarke - Drums
Mark Eisenman is one among a handful of the top ‘in-demand’ jazz pianists in Toronto. Born in New York City but based in Toronto since 1972, Mark started studying the piano with his father. By the age of eighteen he had resolved that he would be pursuing the piano as a career interest. He entered into the music program at York University and after a short time discovered jazz music. With his introduction to this idiom his musical interest peaked.
Under the tutelage of John Gittins and others Mark ultimately took a degree in Fine Arts, and as testimony to his continuing dedication to the learning process, currently conducts jazz workshops at York as a part-time faculty member. His teaching has expanded to include “The Jazz Camp”, classes at Mohawk College in Hamilton plus private teaching in his home studio.
Mark has performed and toured with numerous eminent jazz artists including the following: Blue Mitchell, Woody Shaw, Nat Adderley, Ed Bickert, Rob McConnell, Sam Noto and Pat LaBarbera. He is heard frequently on the radio, including regular appearances on CBC’s Sunday Edition with Michael Enright, and is well represented on recordings. His most recent CD “Sweet and Lovely” features legendary drummer Jimmy Cobb and bassist Pat Collins.
In addition to being a pianist of great clarity and discipline, Mark has been developing his compositional skills. His tunes appear on recordings by a variety of groups.
"His professional status is based largely on his skill and versatility as an ensemble player, but what marks him most is an ability to produce, no matter what the musical company, distinctive well-structured solos" (Toronto Star).
In Mark's own words, what is most rewarding to him as a performer is the sense that "...everyone is having a good time because that means the music is good". With an outlook such as this, it should come as no surprise that he frequently works Toronto's major jazz spots. He is a skillful soloist, a versatile ensemble player and a thoughtful and sensitive accompanist. In 1999 Mark received The Jazz Report Award for “Acoustic Pianist of the Year”.