JAZZ SAXOPHONIST
“One of Seattle’s finest musicians."
- PAUL DEBARROS, THE SEATTLE TIMES
Mark Taylor is one of the most acclaimed and versatile saxophonists in the Pacific Northwest. His uniquely expressive tone, inventive improvisations, and impeccable ensemble work have established Mark as a significant and respected voice on the Seattle jazz scene over the last 30 years.
Mark has played a prominent role in many celebrated groups in the area, from his long tenure with the Jim Knapp Orchestra and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra, to extensive performing and recording work with Thomas Marriott, Matt Jorgensen, Dawn Clement, Jay Thomas, Wayne Horvitz, Steve Korn, Marc Seales, Randy Halberstadt, as well performing locally with internationally renowned artists including Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, Maria Schneider, Christian McBride, Josuha Redman, Branford Marsalis, and appearances with Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Northwest Ballet.
Leading his own projects, Mark has three releases on Origin Records as a leader: After Hours (2002), Spectre (Earshot Jazz 2009 NW Jazz Recording of the Year), and Human Spirit: "Dialogue" Live at Earshot Jazz Festival (2011), with Thomas Marriott and Matt Jorgensen, co-leaders). Additionally, Mark has been honored by Earshot Jazz in 2008 (NW Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year), and in 2016 (Jazz Concert of the Year: LineUp! featuring Julian Priester at the Ballard Jazz Festival) with longtime musical partner, Dawn Clement.
As an educator, Mark has worked extensively as a guest artist and clinician all over the United States and long maintained a busy private teaching and ensemble coaching schedule. He has served on the faculty at Cornish College of the Arts and Pacific Lutheran University and currently holds a full time position at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mark holds a BM from University of Washington (1994), and MM from Manhattan School of Music (2000) in New York City where he studied with Dick Oatts and performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.
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