Biography
On the heels of his debut album release, Marcus Rezak is a guitarist recording and performing with many groups including FrankenZaps Monster featuring members of Frank Zappa's original band including Arthur Barrow, Chad Wackerman, and Robert Martin. Recently performing with Bill Evans ( sax), Hadrian Feraud (bass), and Kris Myers ( drums ) in a new project called KWËKO. Lead guitarist and original member of Chicago based electronic super-group Digital Tape Machine ft. members of Umphreys McGee. Marcus Rezak's diversity in musical styles lands him many live and studio sessions across the globe which sets him apart from other guitarists. Known as a master of jazz improvisation and the art of the sit-in, Marcus is a frequent call among bands and musicians carving out his unique niche in the performance world. As a lead guitarist, Marcus carves out a distinguished style in the world of Guitar with several well-known cutting edge groups including Katharsis, Shred is Dead, FrankenZaps Monster, Digital Tape Machine, Stratosphere All-Stars, and as artist at large. He has performed at some of the most elite music festivals across the globe in various genres. Having a commanding stage presence, Marcus takes the euphoric freedom of live music and directs its path into a unique approach, as if every jam is a live recording session. By keeping exceptionally comprehensive mental notes on what works, what doesn't, and how to improve is what has led Marcus to respect in the music world and to such integral heights. In 2008, The Hue, Marcus' original progressive rock band from Chicago, IL released two albums entitled, "Unscene" and "Beyond Words" and peaked at a performance with the Aristocrats at Martyrs in Chicago. In 2011, Digital Tape Machine, which featured Joel Cummins and Kris Myers of Umphreys McGee released 2 albums entitled, "Be Here Now" and "Face Behind The Face". The group rose to new heights playing such music festivals including Electric Forest, Summer Camp, North Coast, All Good, Somerset, and more. In 2014, The Stratosphere All-Stars began keeping Marcus busier than before with rotating members within the jam-rock scene including Steve Molitz (Particle / Phil Lesh and Friends), Michael Greenfield (Lotus), David Murphy ( STS9 ), Todd Stoops (RAQ), Hayley Jane, and many more. Having performed at late night set at the Catskill Chill Music Festival and Brooklyn Comes Alive in New York, tours across the Eastern seaboard, they quickly gained attention across the nation. Marcus is working on a Colorado based project called Katharsis which features Dave Watts ( The Motet), Todd Stoops (RAQ, Electric Beethoven), and Charles Jones (Dopapod) performing funk-rooted psychedelic jams and improvisation. The band just released an album including the title track " Diabolical " now available for streaming, in addition to tours and performances across the country. As a session guitarist and live performer Marcus has collaborated with a vast array of musicians from members of Frank Zappa, David Bowie, Umphreys Mcgee, Jerry Garcia Band, Melvin Seals, The Motet, Dopapod, Primus, Ratdog, The Disco Biscuits, SCI, Lotus, STS9, Lettuce, Garaj Mahal, Robert Walters 20th Congress, Circles Around The Sun, The Aristocrats, Steve Vai, Megadeth, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and many more. In addition to live performances, Marcus focuses heavily on remote and live studio guitar tracking, editing, and mixing sessions working with a variety of artists, composers, and producers such as David Bowies pianist of 20 years Mr. Mike Garson. As a guitar instructor, he built his own freelance clientele, teaching primarily Jazz students, but also having no limitations to this as well. Marcus Rezak has a B.M. from Berklee College of Music in Boston, and a M.M. degree in Jazz Composition from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.
