The Captivating World of Jazz Saxophonist Mark Turner
Dive into the captivating world of legendary jazz saxophonist, Mark Turner. Known for his unique tone and improvisational skill, Mark Turner has made an indelible mark in the music industry over the years. His contribution to the jazz community is unparalleled, and his masterful works continue to inspire others.
Mark Turner's Recent and Notable Works
In this featurette, we explore some of his most fascinating works and collaborations that have served to make his name synonymous with contemporary jazz. From his solo album "STAGE+", which showcases his profound understanding of musical nuances, to his exhilarating performances in "Return from the Stars", "Temporary Kings", and "New York Days", Mark Turner's music continually transcends boundaries.
One of Mark Turner's latest projects, "Return from the Stars", was released in 2022 to critical acclaim. The album features Jason Palmer (trumpet), Joe Martin (bass), and Jonathan Pinson (drums), and draws its title from Stanisław Lem’s science fiction novel. The work showcases Turner’s signature approach — narrative-driven improvisations characterized by intricate patterns, odd meters, and bold intervallic leaps.
"Temporary Kings" is a collaboration between Mark Turner and pianist Ethan Iverson. This project has been widely praised for its intimate, chamber-like interplay and highlights Turner's melodic sensibility and technical command.
"New York Days" is an ambitious ensemble recording featuring Enrico Rava (trumpet), Stefano Bollani (piano), Mark Turner (tenor saxophone), Larry Grenadier (bass), and Paul Motian (drums). The album is celebrated for its inventive group dynamics and exploratory spirit.
Collaborations and Style
Our subheadline delves into his collaborations with other music maestros such as Ethan Iverson. Mark Turner's partnership with Iverson has been a boon to jazz music, producing riveting performances marked by their shared dynamism and synergy.
We also spotlight the fruitful union of Mark Turner with Enrico Rava, Stefano Bollani, Larry Grenadier, and Paul Motian. This quintet collaboration has resulted in some enthralling performances that showcase the quintessence of jazz.
Turner's sound is often compared to that of Warne Marsh, with evident influences from John Coltrane. His music is marked by a narrative quality, often using repeated motifs, unusual time signatures, and wide intervallic leaps. He frequently explores the altissimo register on the tenor saxophone, adding unique expressivity to his performances. Turner himself describes his music as “unfolding like a narrative,” a philosophy reflected in his album titles and conceptual approaches to composition.
Step into the pulsating beats and rousing melodies of Mark Turner's music. Get ready to embark on a musical journey that will compel you to marvel at the genius of this revered jazz saxophonist. We promise, it will be a sonic experience to remember.