Mark Cassara

Artist Information

Biography

Mark Cassara picked up his first saxophone at age six and by age nine had begun his professional career. His national television debut came on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour just as he turned sixteen. By his twenties, Mark was touring East Coast showrooms heading up his own showband, honing not only his excellent playing and showmanship skills, but also his impressive vocal talents.

Considerable business success kept Cassara largely on his Rochester, New York home circuit, still he managed to front two separate editions of his band, one a top pop venue; the other a well-respected smooth jazz entourage. Even as both bands and his business ventures were going full guns, Cassara managed to play on a host of other people’s musical efforts including 1995’s Committed to Soul by the Legendary Dukes, 1997’s At Last by the Softones and Carolina Girl by Terri Gore, also 1998’s Carla My Love again by the Softones and 2006’s My Heart by the Showvinistics. A myriad of television and radio jingles and themes also kept Cassara more than busy.

In 2005, Cassara produced, wrote, arranged and played on his debut CD "Let's Talk Sax." This vanguard effort met with enthusiastic reviews and significant airplay, with dozens of stations nationwide picking up several of the smooth jazz CD’s rollicking tracks.

Influenced early on by everyone from Stan Getz and Coleman Hawkins to Junior Walker, Cassara music typifies and enhances the smooth jazz genre. His songs feature high polish with infectious original and unusually clean grooves that often sound deceptively simple. His music seems to be constantly propelling us into new space and we can hardly resist joining in the adventure.

Born January 3, 1951, Rochester, New York

Mark is available for bookings for all occasions by emailing him.

Go to http://www.myspace.com/markcassara to view Calendar

Instrumentation

Discography

"Let's Talk Sax" - 2005.

Official Website

http://www.markcassara.com

Links

• MySpace

Audio

• Je Vous Aime
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• La Cruise
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• Panthers Dance
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• Africa
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Video

MarkCassaraBand-Penfield.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• JazzWeek proclaims the Good News! [+ Show ]
  

  Mark Cassara's debut CD and latest single seem bound for glory. JazzWeek showed Mark hit in three S...Mark Cassara's debut CD and latest single seem bound for glory. JazzWeek showed Mark hit in three Smooth Jazz chart categories and was a featured single in the industry magazines Hot Singles section. His "Let's Talk Sax!" CD was declared Chart Bound. His latest single, "Je Vous Aime" scored fourth in Most Added and sixth in Increased Spins. Beyond all that, radio play across the country continues to grow as the good word - and good music! - gets out and more stations are entering Mark's music into their play rotation.

• R&R Confirms Upward Trend! [+ Show ]
  

  "Je Vous Aime," Mark's first single release, dropped into RadioandRecords.com's sixth slot in their ..."Je Vous Aime," Mark's first single release, dropped into RadioandRecords.com's sixth slot in their Most Adds Smooth Jazz chart just behind Lionel Richie's new single. All good news as Mark works on his sophomore CD which promises some great surprises for his growing fan base.

• You can't beat Five Stars! [+ Show ]
  

  You can't beat Five Stars! - that's allmusic's - the authoritative bible of the music world, top rat...You can't beat Five Stars! - that's allmusic's - the authoritative bible of the music world, top rating and most prestigious award. Like other respected critics, Mark's debut CD definitely caught their good ear. The folks at allmusic have presided over the music world, as the definitive source of artist accomplishment and information, for over 50 years. The only thing left to say is, "Congratulations, Mr. Cassara!"

• SmoothJazz.com posts Stellar Review! [+ Show ]
  

  Whatever your mood, Mark Cassara's “Let’s Talk Sax” has got you covered. Mark's first single, "Je V...Whatever your mood, Mark Cassara's “Let’s Talk Sax” has got you covered. Mark's first single, "Je Vous Aime" is pure musical velvet that wraps you in a sultry smooth blanket of musical delight. Only one thing to do upon hearing "L.A. Cruise" –just set your own cruise control and – go! My top pick: the vibrant, multilayered "Africa." Its soaring melody, terrific instrumentation and arrangement turn all the wheels you’ll ever need turned. "It's All Love" posts as nothing but sheer audio entrapment. With thousands of live gigs under his belt Cassara has paid his dues and honed his skills. No doubt about it, when Mark Cassara says “Let’s Talks Sax,” he shows his sax and the man behind it can do some pretty smooth talking. Review Condensed from SmoothJazz.com

Setlist

'Let's Talk Sax'
Je Vous Aime
L A Cruise
The Panthers Dance
Africa
Annie
Just For Love
Moments in Time
Swamp Queen
It's All Love

Funk
Jazz/Standards

Use Me & Felt Alright
Will it go in Circles?
Song from my father
Chill Factor
Coming Home
This time it’s Real
Mr. Magic
Girl from Ipanema
Let it Roll
Mercy Mercy
What does it take?
Autumn leaves
We’re in this love together
Sing a Song
Let's Stay Together
Funny Valentine
Mustang Sally
Body and Soul
Lady Love
Here's that Rainy day
Poinciana
Meditation
What’s Going On?
The more I see you
What you won’t do for Love
Time after time
Love the one your with
I thought about you
Drink Muddy Water
(I took a trip)
Sentimental Journey
Quiet Nights
Kansas City
Alone together
Stormy Monday
A Day in the life of a fool
Mooring
Tangerine
Stranger in Paradise
Night in Taneasa Billy’s Bounce
Water Mallon man

Singing standards

Fever
I got the world on a string
I got you under my skin
Till there was you
The summer wind
The way you look tonight
Just in time
It had to be you

Ballads

Teach me tonight
Georgia Masquerade
When I fall in love
Sara Smile
Quindío Quindío
Mooring
Europa
...And Many More...

Basic Requirements

Calendar