Album Notes

This is a CD of original compositions composed and arranged by Mark Marineau. The majority of the songs from this CD were written with specific people in mind. The songs represent people who have influenced him in various ways.
“African Princess” was written for my wife. She came to the United States from Eritrea when she was still a teenager. As the oldest child, she weathered many difficulties to help her family. She has stood firmly by my side for many years. Her strength is an inspiration. “Murphy’s Law” refers back to a conversation I had with Mark Murphy before a gig back in 1998. We were speaking about performing live in front of an audience. He said that you should “put it out there and after that, everything else is inconsequential”. I found the freedom I needed at the time with that concept…..hence the title, “Murphy’s Law”. Billy Strayhorn’s music has always held a special place in my heart. He was also a favorite of my father whose favorite song was “Star Crossed Lovers”. I tried to revisit that feeling with “Straydays”. “Lea’s Tune” was written for my daughter who continues to brighten my days. The title, “Minger Among Us”, came about on a steady gig with a sextet. Whenever Pete Minger would show up, James Martin, our drummer would say, “there’s a Minger among us”. He was one of those special musicians…. poetry would flow out of his trumpet whenever he played. “The Loose Moose” is a cabin in the mountains where 19 members of my family plan to celebrate my mothers 80th birthday. I’ve been blessed with a fantastic family. “Sticks” was written for my dear friend, Guy Viveros. The song “Kidane” represents the family of my wife, Tsiege. They are a great group of very sincere and hard working people. “The 80th One” is of course for my mother. Without her, none of this would have been possible. Mark Marineau

PS A special thanks goes out to John Yarling (drums) and Jamie Ousley (bass) for their passion and musicality.


As a south Florida resident for the past 25 years, Mark Marineau has had the opportunity to play with a wide spectrum of musicians including Maureen McGovern, Harry Allen, Byron Stripling, Guy Viveros, Shirley Jones, Ira Sullivan, Ernest Ranglin and Pete Minger. He has toured nationally as pianist and conductor for Jack Jones. Mark also served as house pianist for six years at the Van Dyke jazz room on South Beach working with many local and national jazz musicians. Among his most memorable nights are the numerous dates playing for six-time Grammy nominee vocalist, Mark Murphy. He was an original member of the Hard Bop Special serving as pianist and arranger and can be heard on their live C.D. recording, “Stolen Moments”. He can also be heard on Don Paynes C.D., “Rhapsodic Echoes” alternating with pianist, Don Friedman. Mark has also had the pleasure of playing concerts for the Gold Coast Jazz Society with saxophonist, Scott Hamilton. He has also played numerous dates for the Jazz Arts Music Society. Mark also had the pleasure of working with the Duffy Jackson Quartet on numerous occasions. They have been featured on The Jazz Cruise 2002 and 2003 sailing out of South Florida. Mark Marineau studied composition at Western Michigan University with Ramon Zupko who’s primary teacher was Vincent Persichetti. He studied classical piano with Curtis Curtis Smith.