Just four short years ago, Marbin came together in Israel when two musicians met just when both were in coming-of-age “crossroads” periods in their lives. Israeli saxophonist Danny Markovitz had just completed his military service (he was an infantry sergeant) when he met Israeli-American guitarist Dani Rabin, who had also just been through a rigorous experience (though far less dangerous), graduating with a degree from Berklee College of Music.
In 2008, the Marbin duo re-situated themselves in the U.S., landing in Chicago. Since then, the work hasn’t stopped, as Marbin spends around 250 days a year performing (in the Windy City region and across the States). The twosome has also become noted in the Jazz/Fusion community for a trio of albums — 2009’s widely acclaimed Impressions of a City (under the banner “Paul Wertico’s Mideast-Midwest Alliance,” to reflect the hybrid nature of combining Marbin with drummer Wertico’s group), a self-titled duo album and this year’s Breaking the Cycle, an eclectic release (and the group’s debut for Moonjune Records) that found the duo joined by Wertico and bassist Steve Rodby (both noted for their work with the Pat Matheny Group, which has scored them several Grammys), as well as Cleveland native and Jazz/World percussionist Jamey Haddad, who has collaborated and performed with Paul Simon, Joe Lovano and numerous others from a variety of genres. (Marbin is being supported by bassist Ian Stewart and drummer Justyn Lawrence on its current tour dates.)
Marbin performs at The Greenwich Friday. Read Mike Breen’s full Sound Advice here.
This article appears in Dec 7-13, 2011.
