CD Reviews:

Playtime (2005)

The Journey (2004)

Bio: (4/08)

Each performance by pianist and composer Kent Marcum offers a glimpse into the

heart and mind of a ‘keyboard poet.’ Marcum’s signature-mix of classical, new age,

pop and jazz piano licks blend seamlessly into a piano style that is melodic and

heartfelt.

A seasoned artist who began playing piano at age six, Marcum found his calling

early – albeit with a little help from Mom and Dad, who insisted that he take piano

lessons. Eventually, he trained at the Interlochen Arts Academy and attended

North Texas State University and Eastern Michigan University.

Over the years, Marcum honed his style and has composed a full repertoire of

songs that have garnered him a strong following from coast-to-coast and across

Europe. The momentum has been constant with a series of CD releases, including

Moments Like These (1999), Reflections on Christmas (2000), The Journey (2004),

and The Twelve Songs of Christmas (2007).

Kent's recent musical achievement has been to place 20 new compositions with

Harpo Productions (2007). Many of the compositions have already been used by

Harpo. Kent has placed musical compositions with other libraries, including MTV.

His current release, Playtime (2005), emphasizes Marcum’s artistry and broad

appeal. The title cut is a “feel-good, makes you wanna tap your toes” number with

a “driving piano that pays tribute to the classic ‘Peanuts’ music by Vince Giraldi.” "In

A Child’s Eyes" is a delicately innocent song written for Marcum’s young nephew,

who sat listening intently while he composed it. Its strong melodious quality and

intensified bridge is Marcum’s interpretation of the young boy’s thoughts.

Also included are the bluesy "Love Has Come Down To Stay;" the ethereal "On

Another Day;" and "San Juan," which reviewer Kathy Parsons called “a breezy,

rhythmic confection that all but twirls out of the CD player.” Marcum’s piano can

reflect serenity, as in "Morning Mist" and "The First Star That I See Tonight" and then

turn melancholy in compositions such as "Sometimes It Seems So Hard to Say

Goodbye" and "Until We Meet Again." Whatever the emotion, his music plays like a

soundtrack of the heart.

Marcum has performed in an eclectic variety of venues, from the Pisana Palace in

Rome, Italy to The Chattanooga Choo Choo in Tennessee. He has also played in

Hollywood, CA, Dallas, TX and all across his native Michigan, drawing near-

capacity crowds. Like other indie artists, he credits the Internet for helping fuel his

mounting success.

A technologically savvy musician, Marcum is especially proud of his teaming with

multi-Grammy-winning engineer Eric Schilling at The Hit Factory/Criteria studios in

Miami, Florida. He now also performs regularly with singer-songwriter Michael

Grajek.

And with compositions that often exude elegance, passion and serenity, Marcum

considers himself a spiritual gardener of sorts – a caretaker of the heart who

cultivates music aimed at nurturing the soul.

For more information, visit www.kmarcummusic.com, email kmarcum@tc3net.com

or phone 517-260-3766.