Category: Music
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Music in New Orleans: return visit for a local trumpeter
Thanks to music writer Keith Spera for this wonderful mention on Nola.com! On Friday, June 12, the options for live music in New Orleans include a classic rock band, a classic comedy duo and a return visit for a local trumpeter. Mark Rapp and Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Snug Harbor, 8 and 10 p.m. While earning […]
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Woven: Life in Notes and Steps
Jazz composer and gifted trumpeter Mark Rapp teams up with professional choreographer Stephanie Wilkins to present Woven, a one of a kind tapestry of jazz and contemporary dance. Developed exclusively as part of The HT@MTC Performance Incubator, Woven melds choreography with improvisation, taking the audience on a life voyage through universal human experiences, from passion […]
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Jazz Christmas Charts
In preparation of upcoming holiday events, I arranged a handful of jazz Christmas charts, or rather, Jazz christmas lead sheets. Keep in my mind, these were created specifically for my band – so these jazz christmas charts are very bare-bones and minimal. They provide a skeleton from which we’ll have fun reinventing and playing them […]
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Music of Miles Concert Video
Jazz Arts Initiative presents THE JAZZ ROOM @ the Stage Door Theater (Blumenthal PAC), featuring trumpeter Mark Rapp playing the music of Miles Davis. Every 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6pm.Tickets available at www.carolinatix.org Jazz Arts Initiative is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Charlotte, NC, dedicated to the presentation, education, and support of […]
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TSP Returns to the Velvet Note
Mark Rapp, co-leader and trumpeter for the band TSP (Derek Lee Bronston on guitar), are coming to the prestigious jazz club, The Velvet Note, in Atlanta, GA on Saturday, September 28. Get your tickets online at: thevelvetnote.com/the-song-project/ TSP is redefining jazz for a new generation by expanding jazz improvisations to songs ranging from Radiohead, Paul […]
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Compare: Raincheck
Daring to arrange Strayhorn’s gems, Don Braden, Gerald Clayton, Sachal Vasandani, bassist Rene Hart and I, took on the challenge with respect and enthusiasm. The result is a collection of some of the must unique and hip modern arrangements to date.
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Compare: Isfahan
Mark Rapp’s arrangement… Billy Strayhorn’s original… This arrangement was either loved or disliked by the critics – there was no in between. Those who liked it, enjoyed the night and day differences and originality of the work. Additionally, it was with honor and gratefulness, I received the news the official Strayhorn Estate LOVED it! It […]
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Compare: Incense & Peppermints
Mark Rapp arrangement… Strawberry Alarm Clock original… When Producer Billy Terrell suggested this tune to me I was both bewildered and yet gunning for the challenge. It turned into a very fun and effective arrangement staying true to the vibe and melody then launching into a platform for jazz imrpovisation. It really is an unexpected […]
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Compare: Cissy Strut
Mark Rapp’s arrangement… The Funky Meters’ original… I “grew-up” in New Orleans. What I mean is, I earned my Masters in Jazz from the University of New Orleans under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis and lived, played, worked, breathed and was totally absorbed in everything New Orleans had to offer for the better part of […]
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Compare: Packt Like Sardines
TSP’s arrangement… Radiohead’s original… Derek Lee Bronston brought this tune to one of our gigs years ago and it has slowly morphed over the years. Then, when faced with recording “Art of the Song, vol. 1” we took the opportunity to polish it up and present our version. One of the reasons why so many […]