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Bio:

Marc Wagnon

Marc Wagnon was born in Switzerland where he started studying music at an early age on the piano; he got his first taste of being a percussionist by playing the drum in marching bands. At the age of fifteen he got his first drum set and formed his own band for which he composed music and lyrics much influenced by the British progressive rock scene of the 70's (King Krimson, Soft Machine, Led Zepplin) and others.

He went on to study classical percussion at the Geneva Conservatory where he studied for five years; during those years he participated in many local bands, theater and dance projects as a percussionist. He became attracted to the vibraphone as well as increasingly drawn to jazz and jazz-rock, inspired by artists such as Miles Davis, Mahawishnu Orchestra, Return To Forever, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago.

Marc went on to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston for a year where he furthered his mallet technique and composition technique. He also met some great like-minded musicians in Dave Douglas and Dave Kikowski and decided to go down to New York City to have a taste of the real thing. In New York Marc took private conga lessons with the late Frankie Malabe and joined a Brazilian percussion group where he became familiarized with Latin American rhythm.

Marc co-founded the band Dr. Nerve with guitarist Nick Didkowski which went on to record 7 albums; he then went his own way to start his band Shadowlines which was stylistically closer to his musical vision. He released two CDs: "Shadowlines" and "An Afterthought". Marc's style developed in both composition and free improvisation in working with numerous musicians in the downtown scene.

In the early 90's Marc founded the group Tunnels with world renowned bassist Percy Jones, releasing a critically acclaimed CD in 1994, followed by "Painted Rock" in 1999. He went on to record a total of five albums with Tunnels. The band broke up in 2009. Marc is also featured on "Manifest Destiny", a CD with the legendary English band Brand X .

Marc has been a teacher for the past twenty years, most notably with visually impaired musicians at the Lighthouse Music School, teaching both privately and ensembles. Marc has also conducted several workshops at the EJMA jazz school in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Marc is also involved with the group Nuove Musiche with singer Sarah Pillow, who has released two ambitious CDs, 'Nuove Musiche' and 'Remixes', that cross early music with jazz, rock and world music.

Marc's previous solo release, "Conjunction", is a collaboration with drummer Mike Clark and bassist Paul Jackson. The CD features four original compositions from Marc, as well as some by Jed Levy, Neal Kirkwood, and Paul. "Earth is a Cruel Master" is Marc's latest solo album and is a musical exploration of musings on scientific studies, climate change and how humans are or aren't dealing with it.

Musicians Featured On:

Shadowlines

Tim Ouimette (trumpet), Josh Roseman (trombone), Sarah Pillow (vocals), Van Manakas (guitar), Leo Traversa (bass), Jim Mussem (drums)

An Afterthought

Sarah Pillow (vocals), Frank Katz (drums), Van Manakas (guitar), Greg Jones (bass), Dace Douglas (trumpet), Ray Anderson (trombone)

Conjunction

Mike Clark (drums), Paul Jackson (bass), Dave Fiuczynski (guitar), Chris Speed (reeds), Jed Levy (reeds), Josh Roseman (trombone)

Earth is A Cruel Master

Marc Wagnon (vibes, keyboards, percussion, drums, marimba), Van Manakas (guitar), Leo Traversa (bass), Danny Stone (acoustic bass).

Press:

Reviews for Earth is a Cruel Master:

It took multi-instrumentalist Mark Wagnon an entire year to record and mix Earth is a Cruel Master, an engaging collection of original jazz-rock grooves with whirlwind melodic themes and robust improvisations. Known primarily as a vibraphonist, the New York-based Wagnon also plays drums, marimba, keyboards and various percussion instruments throughout the recording. Aided by guitarist Van Manakas, electric bassist Leo Traversa and, on a couple of tunes, upright bassist Danny Stone, the disc has the raw sound of a live band with the benefit of overdubbing and electronic embellishment.
Wagnon's compositions utilize a layering of complementary themes, incorporating the instrumentation at hand, mainly guitar and vibraphone, but at times bass and even drum set with vibrant backbeats that take on a melodic flair. As with much of the so-called fusion genre, Wagnon's music eschews traditional song forms in favor of compositions consisting of various sections, sometimes connected to one another as with the opening "Echo Star" and sometimes seemingly unconnected as with the almost danceable "Embarquement."
There's an exciting element of unpredictability throughout the recording with no one piece sounding alike. The deep-groove of the atmospheric "Osiris Pre-science," which gradually unfolds into an explosive medium for Wagnon and Manakas to improvise over, sits like a distinctly flavored course among the soulful, odd-metered funk of "Dark Matters" and the anxious intensity of "Backsheesh."
The loop-based, world music vibe of "Eye of the Skies: a Farewell" and the heavy-handed 6/8 pulse of "Light at the End" give Wagnon an opportunity to showcase his staggering technique on the vibes. His solos lines are fluid and full of fresh ideas. Equally impressive as a soloist is Manakas who creates an exuberant noise on the closing track "Selective Memories."
Earth is a Cruel Master is a first-rate release of creative, forward-thinking composing supported by spectacular musicianship. John Barron allaboutjazz.com

Swiss born vibraphonist / percussionist Marc Wagnon is probably best known as a member of Tunnels during their five-album run, or perhaps as a member of Doctor Nerve before that. but all through that time he has released several solo albums of his own compositions— Shadowlines from about a dozen or so years ago was one of these that I recall well. On Earth Is a Cruel Master, he is joined by guitarist Van Manakas, electric bassist Leo Traversa, and acoustic bassist Danny Stone, for an instrumental set that straddles the poles of jazz and electric jazz-rock, skillfully avoiding the two f-words. Wagnon plays everything else, including the drum kit, all mallet percussion and the occasional background synths (or are they mallets processed to sound like keyboards?), plus all the cool electronic effects that pop into the mix from time to time. While Manakas does some outstanding time in the spotlight, it s really Wagnon's everpresent vibraphone work. coupled with his thoughtful compositions that give the eight tracks here their character, as well as the many confluent interchanges between all the players involved. On "Eye of the Skies: Farewell." the multiple layers of vibraphone work are nothing short of amazing. The complex shifts and changes within all the compositions are natural and always feel right, occasionally stretching out into some amazing grooves (as on the ten-minute "Osiris Pre-Science"'). but jumping back in again just as seamlessly. Overall, this is an exemplary set that delivers the goods on many levels. - Peter Thelen Exposé Magazine

Known previously os the master mind behind inventive fusion group Tunnels, vibraphonist/percussionist/composer Marc Wagnon realizes solo aspirations with Earth is a Cruel Master - eight tracks of impressionistic, improv-driven fusion with a twist. That twist, of course, is Wagnon's use of vibes as lead instrument, an approach that can't help sounding upbeat regardless of context. Wagnon also plays drums, marimba, keyboards and percussion here, assisted by guests Van Manakas (guitar) plus Leo Traversa (electric bass) and Danny Stone (acoustic bass).
Each track has accompanying liner notes from Marc on his Conceptual inspiration, helping set mood and appropriate visions in the minds eye. The music is lush, regardless of whatever pace is established. And to his credit, Wagnon employs an ensemble orientation that lets his supporting cast shine; especially Manakas, who gets ample spotlight time.
The deft noodling is jaw-drop-pingly good, especially on speedier fare a la Selective Memories" and "Eye of the Skies: A Farewell." Also worth noting is Marc's percussion work (check out his busy undercurrents on "Light at the End"). Massive talent all around.
-John Collinge Progression Magazine

INCREDIBLE new release from Marc Wagnon (Tunnels)! Perhaps the best album his label Buckyball Records have released to date - and that is saying something since they have all of the Tunnels releases (Marc's band with Percy Jones!) and several great fusion CDs including the new release by Jake Hertzog. "Earth Is a Cruel Master" finds Wagnon in complete control playing everything except the guitars & bass himself, revealing that he is not only an incredible mallet player but also a first rate drummer! He contributes drums, vibraphone, marimba, percussion & keyboards. He is joined by the ever amazing Van Manakas on guitar and two bassists. Leo Traversa on electric bass (sounding a bit like Percy Jones at times!) and Danny Stone on acoustic bass. Of course all of the compositions are by Wagnon as well and they range from intricate written structures sometimes recalling Zappa's best work to loose framework pieces for soloing. Manakas contributes some mindblowing solos but the focus is on Wagnon's nimble and masterful use of vibes & marimba both in ensemble parts and in jaw-dropping solo sections that recall the best players you can think of! Absolutely essential for fans of great fusion, mallet percussion and fine jazz composition! Of course those who are already Tunnels fans shouldn't think twice either. I will conclude by saying that the drumming is also stunning and it is a great pity Wagnon can't find a way to plays drums and vibes simultaneously in Tunnels as he would be the perfect drummer for them as well! ZNR.com

Marc Wagnon comes from the world of rock and funk rather than straight-ahead jazz, making this contemporary fusion effort unique unto itself. Overdubbing drums, percussion, and keyboards alongside his ever-present vibraphone, Wagnon adds a spacy feeling to these original compositions, along with a beat-driven pulse. Guitarist Van Manakas, himself no stranger to commercial product, gives good account of himself as a team player or improviser when the need for it is called. While not formulaic in the strictest sense, there's good common sense employed, with a darker edge and muscular rhythms that allow Manakas and Wagnon freedom to produce a bigger sound. Where "Embarquement" is in a slowed funk with Manakas stepping up, "Backsheesh" is more involved with a backbeat supplying the foundation for a little swing and old-school-style '70s fusion. Wagnon is not so much stretching because of the overdubbing, but lays out ideas that are much more than afterthoughts. His marimba playing is pithy and warm on tracks like "Light at the End" in 6/8 time, more in the ethnic or jungle realm, while "Selective Memories" is similar, but Wagnon's marimba is much more pronounced and intricately woven into the fabric of the music. While the synthesizers added are more window dressing, and the beat a bit predictable, Wagnon strives for making modern music that is interesting, if not innovative. His previous recordings are better, but this one holds weight in terms credibility and taking calculated risks.by Michael G. Nastos All Music Guide

O's Notes: Wagnon shows his versatility and talent as a composer, producer and musician on Earth is A Cruel Master. He plays drums, marimba, keyboards and percussion. Van Manakas (g), Leo Traversa (electric bass) and Danny Stone (acoustic bass) support his efforts through eight songs. The music is very introspective with many transitions. "Embarquement" starts with a relaxed groove that morphs into a funky club beat. Marc successfully creates a musical picture of the molecules and mysteries of our planet.
D. Oscar  Groomes O's Place Jazz Magazine

After playing with Headhunters, Brand X and Tunnels, the only thing left for a percussionist to do is go solo and step into the shoes Bill Bruford is leaving behind as he trots off into retirement.  It’s too easy to call him Bruford’s heir apparent, but it does fit the bill.  Playing with a wide range of interests and textures, Wagnon is the new progressive darling to watch now that he’s calling his own shots.  Right in that progressive/jazz/rock pocket, you know who you are if you’re a fan of this, and if you are, you will be a fan of this.  Right on the money throughout. Chris Spector Midwest Records

Marc Wagnon - EARTH IS A CRUEL MASTER:  If you feel like "floating" for awhile, this superbly talented multi-instrumentalist can help, to be sure... he does drums, vibraphone, marimba, keyboard and percussion... he's joined by guitarist Van Manakas, electric bassist Leo Traversa and acoustic bassist Danny Stone in one of the most texturally rich music weaves I've heard this year.  All original composition lends a certain weight to the energy quotient they generate, but it's clearly talent that distinguishes the music they play... yes, you've heard this "kind of" music before, as in exploratory and full of intrigue; but there's nothing "tired" or clichéd in any of their excursions.  I'll be the first to admit that the CD title threw me for a loop... certainly didn't expect this level of intrigue from that title, and it would have been nice to have something more explained about where they came up with that title on the CD jacket... but you'll discover just how misleading title can be when you catch your first listen to the beautiful and totally engaging "embarquement".  Solid rhythms and excellent changes all through this 6:33 masterpiece... there's a section about 2 minutes from the end where Marc is doing vibes that remind me a lot of Ruth Underwood's classic stuff on Zappa's old albums.  For pure and raw energy, though, my favorite piece on the CD was "Eye Of The Skies: A Farewell"... Marc and crew will hold your attention on every tune on this album - it gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED from me, to be sure... "EQ" (energy quotient) rating is 4.96. Rotcod Zzaj improvijazznation<
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