Marcus Gerakos Guitarist from Whittier, CA

Since earning his bachelors' degree in music from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1990, Marcus Gerakos has enjoyed an eclectic and busy career in music, from his collaborations with Grammy-winning percussionist Alex Acuna to his recordings with internationally-known reggae artist Avion Blackmon to performances with Grammy-winning saxophone legend Justo Almario and platinum-selling smooth-jazz pioneer John Klemmer. He has performed in the near and far corners of the world, from Canada and Mexico to Central America and the Far East. He is recognized by many of his well-known musical peers as one of the finest guitarists in the business. He has recorded in a variety of settings, including many TV and radio projects, and has a long list of CD credits as a session player. He has arranged and performed some of the classical guitar's most demanding literature, including the 24 Caprices for Solo Violin by Nicolo Paganini, as well as popular songs treated with intricate counterpoint and harmonies reminiscent of pianist Bill Evans. He has earned critical praise as a solo artist, recording two albums and garnering international airplay and rave reviews as leader and composer of his Latin jazz group, Escenas. Two songs he wrote and arranged this past year for the children's charity project, “Yes We Serve; For The Children”, have enjoyed considerable airplay in the U.S. and in Ghana, West Africa, where funds are being raised to build schools and youth camps for Ghanaian children. His latest solo release, “Marmalade Skies: Songs of The Beatles, Vol. 1”, features many of his well-known musical colleagues like Artie Webb, considered by many to be the finest Latin jazz flautist of his generation, and Francisco Loyo, arranger and musical director for Latin pop superstar Luis Miguel. “Marmalade Skies” and its predecessor, “As Twilight Approaches”, are both available through iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and most other major online retailers. Marcus will be a guest lecturer at the campuses of UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, and Los Angeles City College this fall. He will be performing and discussing twelve of the twenty-four Caprices for Solo Violin, Opus 1, by the legendary violinist/composer Nicolo Paganini. He hasa also recorded a companion project, “Twelve Caprices”, available at all major online music stores.