Marcus Rezak's Gumbo

Marcus Rezak carves out a distinguished style in the world of guitar with several cutting-edge groups such as Shred is Dead, Digital Tape Machine, Stratosphere All-Stars, Katharsis, Supernatural Beings in addition to frequent engagements as an artist-at-large. Known as a master of jazz improvisation and art of the sit-in, Rezak is a frequent call among bands and musicians carving out his unique niche in the performance world. Having a commanding stage presence, Rezak takes the euphoric freedom of live music and directs its path into a unique approach, as if every jam is a live recording session. Rezak’s 2018 debut as a bandleader saw him collaborating alongside Kris Myers and Joel Cummins of Umphrey’s McGee, Arthur Barrow of Frank Zappa’s band, and legendary saxophonist Bill Evans. Since then, he has toured across the US with eclectic lineups featuring the likes of Ike Willis, Kris Myers, Jay Lane, Scott Page, and more; led his band through two tours on the US Virgin Islands; spearheaded official Umphrey’s McGee afterparties, and continued to hone his chops in his home studio and licensing endeavors. ‘Truth in Sound’ is Rezak’s most recent endeavor featuring members of Trey Anastasio Band, esteemed percussionist Kaylan Pathak, and more. The ability to keep exceptionally comprehensive mental notes on what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve have garnered Rezak much-deserved respect in the music world and have leveraged his ability to take his craft to integral heights.

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.

"The story of Marcus Rezak is not one for those who don’t believe in fated occurrences or natural affinity. It is not for those who don’t believe that passion should forcefully direct the flow of one’s life. It is, however, a tale for seekers ready to leave misgivings at the door and allow music’s sway to settle in their minds like a rich fog. In music, we find truth. Within music’s truth, we find the sounds of Marcus Rezak."