The Sound of America: How Marko Marcinko Found His Life in Jazz
Growing up in Archbald, Pennsylvania, Marko Marcinko lived in a house where music was everywhere. His father was a professional musician. His entire family was rooted in the arts. And while other kids were discovering video games, Marko was discovering the instruments around the house.
He thought they were his toys and so he started playing.
What happened next would take that curious kid from Northeastern Pennsylvania into a remarkable life in jazz, studying with one of the greats, touring the world, sharing stages with legendary musicians and eventually coming home to help keep the music alive for a new generation.
On this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Lisa Champeau sits down with Marko on the lawn the outdoor amphitheater Harmony in the Woods in Hawley, Pennsylvania, just before his public radio benefit performance with the Keystone Jazz Septet.
Their conversation starts with childhood and quickly moves somewhere bigger.
Why does jazz still matter?
What happens if we stop teaching and performing it?
And as America celebrates its 250th anniversary, what can this uniquely American music tell us about the country that created it?
Marcinko has a fascinating answer. He sees jazz as more than an American art form. He sees something democratic in the way the music itself is created.
Everyone gets a voice. Everyone has to listen. One musician steps forward, then makes room for another. Individual expression thrives, but only when everyone contributes to something larger.
It is an idea that may change the way you hear the music.
And for Marcinko, it all traces back to a childhood home filled with instruments that became his toys and a family that gave him room to explore.
How did those childhood discoveries lead to a life on stages around the world? And why is Marko Marcinko more determined than ever to keep America’s music playing?
Tune into “The Sound of America: How Marko Marcinko Found His Life in Jazz” and hear the story on this week’s HarmonyTALK.