From The Heart

2009 Capital Jazz Fest Challenge winner, Marcus Anderson releases From The Heart his second solo album featuring Eddie Baccus Jr from Pieces of a Dream. From The Heart is a versatile, flavorful album that stretches the definition of the smooth jazz genre. It's an upbeat collection of musical moods ranging from sensual R&B, to bold Latin and jazz grooves. The title track “From The Heart” burns and grooves with funk and vigor to spare while living up to its title with romantic piano harmony lines and a charming flute solo the listener wishes would last just a bit longer. Look for this fresh, high-spirited groove on CDBaby & iTunes! At the age of 24, Marcus electrifies stages with an unmatchable energy and an intoxicating sound that exceeds well beyond his years. Anderson has already had the chance to play with many of his musical influences including Branford Marsalis, Marcus Johnson, Bob Baldwin, and Ledisi and has opened for Boney James, Kirk Whalum and Gerald Albright. With this new release, Anderson now steps to center stage for what’s sure to be an exciting ride. Anderson states, “For me, it’s about the crowd”, said Anderson, “I feed off their energy...”. Anderson (a Spartanburg, South Carolina, native) was introduced to the saxophone at age 12. As a member of a large musical family of 7 siblings where both his mother and father sing regularly, Anderson's gifts as a musical prodigy were nurtured early. He began singing and playing in the church along side his brother Alphaeus at the age of 13. "Gospel music is where I get the expression and the feeling I put towards my own music," said Anderson. But it was his father who introduced him to the then budding music referred to as Smooth Jazz.