Trillium
Although born in New York City, Jan.29th 1967, Marc grew up in Washington, DC. His parents were musicians (his father a percussionist, his mother a cellist and painter. Indeed, the playing of instruments was an old family tradition. "My great-grandmother, Mae York Smith, used to play piano in theaters accompanying silent movies," recalls Marc. "She used to play duets with Eubie Blake they would switch up left hand - right hand. She lived to be 100 years old. My mother's father is a trumpet player, first cousin to Cootie Williams -- played in his band down South. Duke called him but he decided to stay and raise the family."Growing up in DC, like every young kid in the early eighties, Marc joined one of DC's many Go-Go bands. Finding the drum & trumpet chairs already filled, he began to dabble with synthesizers and the Fender Rhodes. Showbiz can be a pretty elixir for a teenager --- he dropped out of high school at 16. As the Go-Go scene climaxed in the late eighties Marc was fortunate to have met Eleanor Oxendine, his first rudimentary teacher who taught him how to read and gave him access to her grand piano. "I developed a real appreciation for it," Marc recalls.A young man with a mission, Cary quit the Go-Go scene and passed his exam to enter the Duke Ellington School. Three years later, the high school grad was feeling New York. Marc caught the first Greyhound outta town. "I came to Harlem, New York at 21 with twenty dollars in my pocket. "I hooked up with Beaver Harris and Mickey Bass." Impressed with their new friend's humble vibe and sneakily meditative piano swing, these two elders schooled and guided Cary through the underground Jazz scene in New York. Soon, Arthur Taylor's - Wailer's and Betty Carter called.Cary would soon tour and record with both AT, Carter and hold down the piano chair in Roy Hargroves working band. Working with these masters not only strengthened his chops, he found his center. "From AT I learned everything, life, what to do, what not to do -- always be prepared and get your money up front. From Betty, I learned 'Tight'-- how to be on top, the etiquette of being a musician." Cary's education continued through his work as Abbey Lincoln's pianist and musical arranger. Of Lincoln, he says, "She was my mentor. She taught me you got to claim shit -- I've learned a lot of music with her and how to personalize it and be a leader.Marc Cary steps into the new millennium with a full aerial assault of projects and launches his latest acoustic self produced release "Trillium" Jazzateria #20304-2 featuring Tarus Mateen -bass and Nasheet Waits -drums and special guest Y.C. Laws on flute."Tarus Mateen and Nasheet Waits were the ultimate soldiers for this experience and helped to bring a mere concept to life by breathing their musical knowledge and energy into "Trillium". Contributions from Y.C. Laws on flute added a special twist to a great experience. I dedicate this record to the memory of my great grandmother, Mae York Smith. Trillium is a combination of creative minds collaborating to reach a higher dimension spiritually, musically, mentally, financially and creatively".  Enjoy!  Marc CaryBand members: featuring: Marc Cary -Piano, Tarus Mateen -bass and Nasheet Waits -drums and special guest Y.C. Laws on flute.