Please click the name of a project to view info on it, and download / listen to any tracks that may be available. Tracks are posted in both MP3 and AAC (.m4a) file formats; Apple’s Quicktime can be used to listen to these & watch any video.
Current Projects
The Hue
The Hue is a Chicago-based progressive rock quartet featuring Marcus Rezak and Jared Rabin on guitars, Geoff Shell on bass, and Brian Gilmanov on drums. These four individually accomplished musicians came together for the first time as a band in February, 2007. With an array of influences that range from jam-rock, metal and jazz to classical and bluegrass, The Hue has succeeded in creating a totally unique and original brand of electrified instrumental music in their short time together. With all four members of the band contributing to their arsenal of original material, their thunderous sound continues to evolve and grow with each show. From tight progressive rock tunes and wild dance til you drop jams to lyrical and melodious jazz pieces, and of course a healthy dose of dueling guitars, The Hue’s live performances are already causing music fans in Chicago to take serious notice.
In their short time together, The Hue has played all over the Chicago scene including venues like Martyrs, Kinetic Playground, and Subterranean. The band started their experience together with a two-month long stint of Wednesday nights at Chicago’s famous Wise Fools Pub. They’ve already shared the bill with national acts including The Pnuma Trio and The Motet, and have been joined onstage by other Chicago artists including Brendan Bayliss of Umphreys McGee. The Hue is the next truly original rock band coming out the Midwest, so come check out the next show!
John Wasem
With each day that passes, Tennessee born songwriter John Harlan Wasem has quickly become one of Chicago’s most promising performers. Through his crafty songwriting and unyielding tour schedule (150 shows in 2005), Wasem has been rapidly gaining the attention of thousands across the country and beyond. JW displays his diverse musical roots by alternating styles with each song he writes, all while still maintaining a strong folk-rock sensibility. John openly demonstrates his influences, such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan, but still flows with an originality that stands out on its own. Vocals groove with a unique, hard-edge dynamic that is rarely found in today’s new artists. At the same time, Wasem’s percussive guitar work and energetic stage presence provides his audiences with an energy that is universally welcomed.
Past Projects
56 Hope Road
Berklee’s Best International Collective
Eclectic. Soulful. Funky. Nu-Jazz. We are a group of performers from 4 different parts of the world who make a sound like no one else. Sang Min Lee is a professional studio drummer from South Korea. He attended Berklee from 2002-2006, and graduated with Marcus. He is a funky, smart drummer who has performed with Sam Kininger. Nikolay Moiseenko has a PhD in jazz performance that he received while in his hometown of Moscow. He now is performing throughout the Boston scene, playing with such notables as David Fiucznsky, Sam Kininger, and Me’Shell NdegéOcello. Yuki Hirano is a one of a kind keyboardist who holds down harmony, melody, and bass all at once. He performs in Gospel church every Sunday in Boston and hangs out at Wallys for the Funk Jam sessions every Wednesday.
The Vice President of Berklee mentioned the group at the 2006 graduation, saying that they’re a “hot, funky jazz group from around the world.” This is a group that has potential to explode! Given the right management and support they can make magic happen.
Sang Min Lee - drums
Nikolay Moiseenko - sax
Yuki Hirano - organ, bass keys
Marcus Rezak - guitar
Marcus w/ Tea Leaf Green
Marcus w/ Tea Leaf Green at Archive.org - download a tune w/ Marcus sitting in with TLG
Kobe Kai Joe (Marcus Rezak / Mike Mirro Project)
Kobe
Au Jus
Quagmeyer
Da Nuts
Footprints
These are the first fruits of Marcus’ project with Mike Mirro. While a bit rough, these demos showcase what will eventually be an album of fantastic tunes. Featuring Mike Mirro on drums, Kyle Meyers on bass, and the production of John Ovnik, owner/operator of Deaf Dog Studios in Chicago.
Spice Works
Other Projects
A song written by Marcus’ good friend Alex Gordeev, an accomplished alto saxophonist & composer. He hails from Moscow, and they met many moons ago when they first arrived at Berklee.
No Booze Blues
Dancing Along the Nile
“No Booze Blues” and “Dancing Along the Nile” are original compositions written by Marcus’ good friend Dimitrios Lazaridis of Athens, Greece. This ensemble is a 10 piece big band comprised of bass, piano, drums, guitar, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trombone, and 2 trumpets. These tunes are very contemporary with very advanced harmonies and rhythmic ideas. Luckily, the group was very tight and after a few rehearsals the final product was definitely a success. The performance these recordings were culled from was held at the Berklee College of Music in recital hall 1A. Enjoy the music of Dimitrios Lazaridis ladies and gentleman.
Andrew Toombs on piano, Julian Smith on bass, Hamir Atwal on drums, and Marcus during a late-night (2-6am) recording session at Berklee produced these unique tracks.