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DAVID MARQ: On Target with 'The Hit It Project'
*Saxophonist David Marq emerges on the scene to unleash his debut album, the first release from Alexscar Records, "The Hit It Project."
In honor of late Grammy winning producer/writer Skip Scarborough, Marq was commissioned to christen a library of Scarborough's acclaimed greatest hits of all time with his musical DNA; a blessing that was bestowed upon him by the Scarborough family, he reasons.
"He (Skip) was the most spiritually grounded man I ever met in my life. It was more about his feelings coming through his music," expresses Marq. "That is when you can find the true measure of expression; through an individual's art."
Armed with knowledge from studies of the classical clarinet, flute and saxophone at the prestigious camps of Peabody Preparatory School of Music and University of Virginia, Marq gave honor to a collection of Scarborough's' classic pieces.
Several hits were selected from the massive body of work, which includes over 200 certified Gold and Platinum singles such as "It's Alright With Me" (Patti Labelle), "Lovely Day" (Bill Withers), "Can't Hide Love" (Earth, Wind & Fire) and "Don't Ask My Neighbor" (Emotions).
"I didn't do a lot of the selection of the songs," Marq admits. "However, they weren't initially going to do "Loving You Loving Me" (Nancy Wilson). I lobbied for that song. "
A seasoned musician that's worked in contemporary jazz circles throughout the world, Marq, describes his style of music as a passionate and soulful. Performing alongside music greats, Brian Culbertson, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Maysa Leak, he is thankful for the platform to show what he has to offer.
"It's all about an opportunity being presented to you. It is much easier to get called when you are working," Marq states with a seriousness. "It has always been a goal to have a project of my own."
In his earlier years, Marq attended "Baltimore Poly-Technical Institute," where the majority of the studies were in Science.
"I always had an interest in science related stuff. I thought I would be a doctor."
Marqs' lineage of saxophonist grandfather Billy Taylor, who worked with jazz giants Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday, gave no need to shake up a crystal ball.
"My family's accomplishments in music were hard to ignore. I do feel my grandfather's influence. He would tell me 'don't rush, don't rush yourself.'" ( there's silence of calm is at the other end of the phone and then Marq continues) "But, I never considered myself a music candidate. I didn't think it would sustain me."
When times at home became stifled and he found himself going through an unfortunate divorce, "Music was there," Marq express with comfort. One of his most memorable moments during the recording of "The Hit It Project," was when he was in the studio doing the song "Lovely Day".
"I was going through a dark period and things weren't going so well with me professionally. My producer, Jonathan Lesane, told me to close my eyes and pretend I am on the beach playing," Marq shares. "I think it really came through in the music. I like "Lovely Day" a lot."
With that in mind, Marq implores fellow artists to take time to find out what makes their music passionate. He ensures, that without passion, it's just another occupation.
"The Hit Project," is in stores now and proceeds will go to the "Skip Scarborough Foundation," whose goals are to stimulate music and arts education. Look out for David Marq in Detroit, Michigan on October 3-5 and at the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore, MD October 26.
For MORE on David Marq, visit his website: www.Davidarq.net.
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