Marc Mommaas (b1969) is a creative man. His mother was an opera singer and pianist, while his father was a prominent figure in the Dutch art scene. He used oil on canvas to create his art. During his study in Amsterdam, NL he combined his musical development with a university education (Masters in Comm.Science/Business). In 1997, Marc moved to New York City after being awarded two Dutch grants (Stichting Podium Kunsten and Prins Bernard Fonds Anjer Fondsen). Marc was granted a full scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his Masters in Jazz Performance. He was awarded the William H. Borden award, which is given to one graduating student for exceptional achievement. Marc was a member of the 1999 recording Global Motion Trio, which featured Nikolaj Hess (piano), and John Hebert (bass). Tony Moreno, a well-known drummer, joined the group that became Global Motion in 2001. After a lengthy European tour, including a 5-day hit at the Pompoen Amsterdam, the band returned home to New York City and recorded Global Motion. It was released by Sunnyside Records. The release received critical acclaim from Downbeat, Jazztimes and Jazzimprov as well as All About Jazz and many other online outlets. The Sunnyside album Balance (2006) was soon followed by another highly-acclaimed Sunnyside record, which was a duo recording featuring pianist Nikolaj Hess (a long-standing friend). He began a new project in 2010 thanks to his long-standing collaboration with Tony Moreno, drummer. It was “Landmarc”, the guitar project. This band consisted of three guitars, sax and drums. There is no bass. Vic Juris and Nate Radley were the guitarists in the touring band. Marc completed his four-year-old solo Saxophone project, “Irreversible Momentum”, in 2013. This unique and personal work will be released in fall 2013. A Ballads album with Nikolaj Hess, a Danish pianist, will be released in the fall. Marc has toured the globe with numerous formations, including the Amina Fifova sextet and the formations of Tim Horner, Armen Dolelian, and Tony Moreno. He performed on all major stages, including the New Port Jazz Festival and Carnegy Hall. He was also an educator, besides his remarkable career as a saxophonist/improviser. He founded the New York Jazz Workshop along with Marco Chelo, Hudson Jazz Works together with Armen Donelian. He has also given masterclasses about conservatoria around the world and is a member of the faculty at the New School. Marc is currently working on a text on “a rhythmic approach to improvisation and compositionfor linear instruments”, which he recorded with Global Motion with a string quartet and other project-based arrangements. Visit www.mommaas.com
