Mark Madsen
Jazz vocal performances of the great American standard songbook.
2
songs
390
plays
At Long Last Love At Long Last Love
Mark Madsen - Chicago's SingerBand/artist history
A performer for over 30 years, Mark Madsen has appeared as a singer, musician, and entertainer all across the United States. From rock to pop, to blues, to swing, his performances are truly products of the Chicago melting pot.
His association with the late great Bill Evans, who worked with Mark’s father Bob during the fifties, continued throughout the rest of Mr. Evan’s life. He was the earliest and most profound influence on Mark’s music.
Mark began his professional performing career at the age of nine, with a pop trio The Precisions. Four years later he began working three nights a week in a suburban Chicago nightclub, with his father’s group, The Bob Madsen Quartet. While drumming and singing in his father’s band, he spent four years playing guitar and vocalizing in one of the premier high school bands in the United States. The Notre Dame High School Meledons under the direction of noted music educator Rev. George Wiskirchen, C.S.C., a 20-piece jazz ensemble, traveled extensively throughout the country for Selmer Musical Instruments, Downbeat Magazine, and the National Music Educator’s Conference (NMEC) doing concerts and clinics. During his final appearance with this remarkable band he was excited to share the bill with The Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Count Basie, and the Al Cohn/Zoot Sims rehearsal band at the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. in 1971.
In 1971, he attended DePaul University’s Conservatory of Music, while continuing his performing career. After leaving college, he spent the next six years playing in local and nationally based acts, including Spike Jones Jr. And his Band-Aids. This zany comedy band, developed by ABC television, appeared at large family amusement venues including Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flaggs, and King’s Island. After the act broke up in 1975, he returned to Chicago and began working with various band leaders at events and parties. Over the years he has performed for McDonald’s,Jovan, Buick,The American Federation of Labor, Whirlpool, World Book Encyclopedia, Motorola, The National Restaurant Association, and literally dozens of others. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he played drums and sang with the legendary Chicago violinist Johnny Frigo and the Country Hit Men. His tutorial with John continues today, as evidenced by Frigo’s featured appearance on At Long Last Love.
During the 80’s, he continued writing, performing, and recording with a project titled Alias Madman, an electronic pop band exploring the MIDI explosion of the 1980’s. The band performed concerts utilizing synchronous live music and video computer systems. Mark continues to write and develop this aspect of his talents as well.
Mark has appeared for an eclectic group of performers including Frank Sinatra, Gloria Estafan, Bonnie Raitt, Steve Allen, Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, and others. He has worked many of Chicago’s noted nightclubs including Jilly’s Bistro on Rush, Lush Life, The Pump Room, Pops For Champagne, Green Dolphin Street, The Metropole, The Moulin Rouge, Andy’s Jazz Club, The Green Mill, and the campy Underground Wonder Bar.
Additionally, he performs with The Joe Vito Orchestra, a swinging big band, and the 40-piece City Lights Orchestra. These organizations, take him to venues throughout the United States.
His benefit performances for Chicago’s Children’s Memorial Hospital’s Volunteers Program, Valentine’s Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, and other causes, have been appreciated for more than ten years.
In addition to his live appearances, he often provides a musical voice for advertising.Have you performed in front of an audience?Check out my website for my scheduled performances.
Your musical influences
Sinatra, Basie, Bill Evans, jazz, vocals
Chicago, IL
USA
ID
157577
Contact
Sorry, this artist currently doesn't accept email messages.
