| Generations |
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I have always been driven to express myself through music and have long sought a combination of elements that allow me to do so as a solo artist. These include matters of heritage, musical influence and development, identity, dexterity, life experience and of course, musicians with whom I can do this. Finding one’s voice is a long-term process. It has taken me 52 years to reach a point at which I feel compelled to put something on record.
Reviews: “From his evocative solo saxophone introduction, Mark Ginsburgʼs debut CD takes us on an engrossing musical odyssey, embracing both his cultural heritage and his passion for jazz. Markʼs care and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this album. With his warm sound and accessible melodic concepts featured throughout, accompanied by a wonderfully supportive band, this is a recording to treasure.” Mike Nock, jazz pianist & composer, Sydney, Australia “In exploring his musical roots Mark Ginsburg has made intriguing discoveries. He has honored those insights here in a fashion that has produced a truly unique and listenable jazz album. This is an historic offering.” Bruce Cassidy, jazz trumpeter, composer & arranger (Blood Sweat & Tears, Quincy Jones, Marvin Gaye) “An important project by Mark, whose continued growth as a saxophonist and composer is clearly evident in his latest recording, wonderfully interpreted by the band. The music takes you to another space outside the jazz mainstream. Jazz is perhaps the first World Music with a long history of embracing different cultures, religions, traditions and races.” Mike Rossi, jazz saxophonist / Prof. of Music, University of Cape Town “Mark has with great originality brought together sacred strains from his heritage and life experience. What emerges is a splendid musical whirl that moves, uplifts and entertains. “Generations” is indicative of what is becoming Mark’s own unique jazz footprint.” Rabbi Gary Robuck, North Shore Temple Emanuel, Sydney “This album has a sense of dedication both to Jewish tradition and the artistic flair of jazz. It offers a new approach to something ancient. The original Jewish melodies have a twist of freshness and elegance, the wider harmonic landscape allowing for development beyond conventional cantorial improvisational structures.” Cantor Beny Z. Maissner, Toronto
Comments (14)
  written by sean wayland, May 25, 2009
Hi mark ,
I got around to listening to your cd today . I loved your solo intro . The sound is really good and everyone gets a great tone out of their instruments . The whole thing has a spirituality too it which is missing from new york jazz these days . Like the shape of the universe itself, I don't think that musical inspiration and its healing power will ever be properly explained. I think using the music as an instrument of worship, be it for a god or a NSW coast line is a good thing. Its also nice that the group whilst being new to make music together, can create a common language which draws connections between oz jazz, jewish spiritual music, coltrane, and many other influences in a simple lyrical way. My personal opinion is that "the divine" is a cheap explanation for music. My hope is that as individuals and as a group that you have the pleasure to continue to explore music in all its simplicity and complexity. Thanks very much for sending me your cd mark. Listening to it for the first time made today a very special day to me. Sincerely, sean
written by elliot levine, May 25, 2009
Hi Mark
I've really been enjoying repeated listenings of "Generations." It's great. You've really followed this idea through to a really beautiful creation. I can only imagine how tough it must have been to make something which drew on the strengh from both traditions and yet didn't seem like just a gimmick. I think you found that common link. I hope that the wonderful players on this recording get many opportunities to keep playing with the material. It's certainly rich enough to keep delving into and developing even more. Also I really liked the recording sound. It sounded real and not over-produced. I think the whole package is beautiful and elegant. I loved the cover art and the way Dean's pictures were woven in. 
written by Richard Maegraith, May 26, 2009
This is music with real heart. Mark is one of the deepest guys I know and it comes through loud and clear on this beautiful recording. I became sad sometimes as I listened to it. A good sad though, like when I listen to Kenny Wheeler. More a stirring melancholy to be precise. It's a band that I definitely want to hear more of, and Mark is a very special and unique saxophonist with his own concept that is very much worth the listen.
Congratulations to you all.
written by Frank Presley, May 26, 2009
I love the intensity of these melodies. When the melodies relent, the thought process behind this cultural link inspires the tenor and soprano demanding all your sensory attention
written by lionel Lubitz, May 28, 2009
A moving lyrical piece of music suffused with the depth of ancient tradition and modern profound musicality.
Mark,it is an awesome creation from a master player and great musicians supporting you.
written by Peter Barnett, June 01, 2009
I remember Mark in the late 70s when he was transitioning from guitar to sax and we invited him to jam with us. We used to listen to the most way-out shit of the day, thanks to our respective elder brothers who had great jazz record collections. As a result, our own pile of records included Weather Report, Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Jan Garbarek, King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu, Allman Bros, Blood, Sweat 'n Tears, Chicago, The Beatles and Pink Floyd, among others. From day one Mark's playing was always exciting; for the band and for the audience. Saturday afternoons in the "Barn" at the Hohenhort Hotel were so memorable and never to be repeated. It was the right time, the right place and the right music, and it took off.
Its exhilarating to hear Mark and his band members on this CD - they excel in articulating the beautiful rhythms and harmonies of each of the pieces. Even though so much time has passed, I can still hear those roots in Mark's voice but in today's context. Generations, his first solo CD, blows me away. Big Love, Peter (childhood friend from Cape Town)
written by David Levy, June 15, 2009
Mark, I love the sounds of your Generations. They strike at our roots, our life choices and our vision for harmony in the world. The fusion of instruments with Judy's voice interwoven creates a series of rich delights. Fabulous, well done to you and your wonderful collaborators. David
written by Kevin Camrass, June 17, 2009
Mark has produced something here with incredible heart and soul. Generations is an album has drawn from many influences; Jewish spiritual music, African, Fusion, artists such as Coltrane and Avishai Cohen. What really stands out though are the melodies, at times melancholy and haunting but always beautiful. A incredibly personal and moving jazz album from a very remarkable player.
written by Dan Shout, June 22, 2009
"Generations" is pure class. Lyrical playing by Mark and his band tranports me to calm and relaxing place whilst still feeding my need for burning Jazz chops without compromising the music at any stage. The compositions are beautiful, the improv tasteful, album artwork awesome and the production great.
The album has a unique sound rooted in Mark's culture and religeon which I believe are some of the main reasons the playing on the album is so deep... My favourite tracks are "Eli Atah" and "Generations". I don't own another album which sounds like this at all! Thank you and congratulations!
written by Michael Stephans, August 05, 2009
I've been listening to your CD and it is really nice -- beautifully played
and imaginatively conceived. You have a very unique soprano sound and I believe that your warm tone really suits the music quite nicely. And there is a relaxed and confident vibe throughout. You all really sound like a "band"!
written by Deborah Evans , August 05, 2009
This album is quite remarkable - it transfixes you with its hauntingly beautiful melodies. Mark takes you on a journey and introduces you to his musical influences in a way thet means that they become your intimates.
I don't have a favourite track yet as I just keep playing the album and finding more. This one is the jazz album of the year for me and it is only August.
written by Nodi Ipp, November 09, 2009
Just got to watch this totally awesome ......... music
i've listened to point of departure on the cd a few times, BUT this was something else, watching you and the band playing it. quality image, flow the pace the base, the hang back drummer and piano - and your sax .... words aren't available i recognise something of the space you enter - and when you are in it, what you are hearing, what you are feeling, you play it all somehow. tapping into a great mystery you weave the Creator of Light in the warp and the weft of Your song. may the Light ever shine in you Mark we go back far but the point of departure is ever in the present and That's the point
written by Daewoo Lanos Parts, June 18, 2010
Hi,I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed looking through your site!
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The CD is GREAT. "Generations" has possibly the best bass solo I've ever heard. All the playing is remarkable, especially your own.
well done
mc