The Gold Coast City Jazz Club features many great talents. It’s easy to forget that these wonderful artists each have a story beyond the few hours they spend entertaining us. This month, Marcus Nassner is in the spotlight. 

Known for his expressive feel and lyrical improvisations on saxophone and flutes, there’s more than meets the eye with Marcus Nassner. Inspired by a creative household, Marcus can also add Reiki master, author, arranger, audio engineer and producer to his list of achievements.  

Can you tell us a little about your history in music? 

I was born in Munich, Germany and began studying classical music but soon switched to studying Jazz on the Tenor saxophone at 19 years old. During this time, I formed a dance/show band that performed in all major night clubs and top hotels in southern Europe. I immigrated to Australia in 1981 and continued my musical studies under Don Burrows at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney.

During the 80’s, I played traditional Jazz with the American Jazz Icon Tom Baker, Vince Genova, Sue Cruickshank and aria award winning Latin American Ensembles and show bands. I started my own Latin-Jazz sextet during the late 80’s called ‘Jazzmin’, featuring some of the finest musicians in Sydney. My ensembles performed in the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall, Martin Place Amphitheatre and open-air festivals. 

I also hold a Master’s degree as an Audio Engineer/Producer and have had the privilege to record some of the best artists in the world including Herbie Hancock, Stephane Grappelli, Paco Pena, Leo Kottke, Larry Adler (George Gershwin Tour), James Morrison, Don Burrows, Wynton Marsalis, Lugiano Pavarotti and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to name just a few.

Since I moved to the Northern Rivers in 2002, I have rekindled my love for Jazz and performing live. I’ve been featured in concert with pianist David Fennell, the Gold Coast Big Band, The Hint of Swing Big Band and am the musical director of the sax quartet “Saxology”.

What can people expect from you at your performance? 

We are launching a new sound at The Gold Coast City Jazz Club. I will be accompanied by the masterful and highly acclaimed pianist Wil Sargisson, the sublime percussion-virtuoso Rodney Ford on drums and Elliot Parker on the contrabass. While we play compositions by the great Miles Davis, Lester Young, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Paul Desmond, Stevie Wonder and Antonio Carlos Jobim, we give a fresh twist and every tune has a timeless modern sound. 

What has been the highlight of your career as a musician?

Every time I’m on stage with other musicians it is a highlight for me.  

What is your favourite song to perform?

My favourites change as I expand my repertoire. At the moment I love the ballad ‘My one

and only love’ and my arrangement of a fast samba called “Favela” by A.C. Jobim.

What advice do you have for a rookie player?

Listen to the masters, transcribe solos, practice arpeggios and fundamentals, memorize songs and their chord progressions and constantly work on your sound.

Marcus Nassner and Friends are performing at the Gold Coast City Jazz Club on Tuesday 7 May. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. For bookings, please contact Keryn on 0419 658 983.