Mark Rapp

Hailed as one of the hardest working musicians in New York City, Mark Rapp bridges the gap between modern and contemporary jazz music. In addition to being a passionate jazz trumpeter who was named one of the "top emerging jazz trumpeters" by Downbeat Magazine in 2007, Rapp performs the didgeridoo and is an accomplished composer and bandleader.

Staying true to his vision, Rapp consistently performs his originals and arrangements. He says, "I'm more interested in discovering and expressing the music in me – like Miles and Monk did. And we're enjoying the fertile middle-ground between contemporary accessibility and modern jazz idealism."

Rapp's featured performance at the 2008 JVC Newport Jazz Festival ended with a standing ovation. In addition to Newport, he has performed at the WC Handy Jazz Festival, Blue Note, Dizzy's Coca-Cola Room and many other top clubs and festivals. He will be touring the country in support of Token Tales in '09.
Raised in SC, Mark attended Winthrop University where he had a most propitious meeting with Wynton Marsalis, which led him to study under Ellis Marsalis at the University of New Orleans where he earned his Masters in Jazz.

For More Information Go To: www.markrapp.com