With over 20 years in performing under his belt, saxophonist/arranger/composer Mark Baker has cultivated a quality of music that resonates through a person’s soul and touches their senses. His versatility in essence comes from being inspired by Jazz, R & B, Funk, Blues, and Rock tunes. Baker remembers fondly of listening to bands such as the Bar-Kays and Con Funk Shun while growing up. In fact, one of Baker’s dreams as an adolescent was to play live in front of 13,000 people (the capacity of coliseums at that period). His dreams were realized years later as he performed a solo for 40,000 people at the Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival. He has had the good fortune to play with the Bar-Kays in concert on featured songs such as "Attitudes" and "Anticipation" as well as Ruby Wilson (the Queen of Beale Street) in Montreal, Canada. Baker has opened up for other great artists Jonathon Butler, Boney James, Kem, and Bobby Womack. He was also asked by Will Downing personally to perform at the Grand Casino in Tunica, Mississippi and in concert for the Gerald Levert/Will Downing concert at the FedEx Forum.
Baker’s musical training on the saxophone began in 1978 under the tutelage of Lonnie Neely in Memphis, Tennessee. He got his start playing gospel music in church in 1981. During his high school career, Baker received numerous awards and accomplished a variety of tasks that showed his potential as a musician to be imminent. After graduating from Southside High School in 1983, Baker’s journey led him to spend four years of military in the United States Navy. He became most serious about pursuing music later but never stopped playing the sax for enjoyment.
Mark’s next project became one that he enjoys just as much as performing. In 2003, Baker began to DJ at hotspots around the city and received so many requests, that he eventually made this leisure pursuit a permanent part of his artist repertoire. On occasion, Baker also brings his saxophone to parties where he is the DJ, which captivates social gatherers and distinguishes himself as a multitalented man. "This alone," says Baker "is one of the best things that have ever happened to me."
Mark has put his special touch on a Celebrity Golf Tournament in honor of the late NFL Football Great Walter Payton. He has played the national anthem at several sold out Memphis Grizzlies NBA home games (one of which was the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves) and the Memphis Redbirds baseball games. Baker also showed his skills in Wicked Ways, a hit play making a touring stop at the Orpheum Theatre. Even political dignitaries know who to call to put that special 'oomph' in their event. He has performed at special events nationally and locally, including events for Mayor M. Pratt of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Mayor W. W. Herenton of Memphis, Tennessee and Mayor A. C. Wharton of Shelby County, Tennessee.
In addition to playing celebrity events, Baker has performed with a number of local community choirs, small groups and organizations. He is well known in his hometown for many performances at local events and night clubs. He has been covered by the local media, including the Commercial Appeal and News Channel 3.
In May 2004, Mark Baker released a CD titled "Ride the Tide While It’s High", which features his compositions and arrangements. His music draws on a variety of influences, which is heard in his album. In 2007, he released a follow-up CD to his first album titled "Ride the Tide While It’s High: Part II The Final Episode." Baker has also performed on local and national albums as a solo artist including the Gospel groups Divine Providence and Perfection.
Saxophonist/arranger/composer Mark Baker’s music possesses an inviting lyrical quality while spinning a broad emotional range. He has strived to develop into an artist that has his own distinctive style. His music tells harmonious stories that display a variation of emotions including sounds of gladness and exhilaration to more poignant and contemplative melodies.
Mark Baker lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and currently plays at Praise Temple (COGIC) on a regular basis.
Mark performs for a variety of special events, including weddings, anniversaries, professional networking soirees, birthday parties, serenades, and celebrity events. To receive more information on how to contact Mark Baker, go to www.markbakersax.com or www.myspace.com/markbakersax to hear his music and send a message. You can also email Mark Baker at bakersax@bellsouth.net. Please call early for bookings if your event needs a live saxophone player/DJ.
