Soulful and Sensuous Music
Good Food (like Asian, Curries, Continental cuisine)
Good Wine
Stimulating Conversation
Humour
BIO
My music is also available on Digital Distribution from these On-Line stores:
amazonmp3 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=Marc+Leo n+Special+Edition&x=12&y=21
My musical career began in 1960 as lead singer in local Rock & Roll bands. I taught myself to play guitar, started to write songs and by 1964, my band, The D-Men, was signed up by CBS to record three 45RPM singles, featuring four of my songs. These records were successful in the Sydney charts and the group's popularity was further boosted with regular appearences on National TV, as well as tours with the Aztecs and the Easybeats.
By 1966, my musical interests shifted towards Jazz, Blues and R&B (Soul). I was influenced by musicians such as Ray Charles, BB King, Wes Montgomery and the Soul artists who recorded for the "Stax" label. One of my demo tapes caught the attention of EMI producer David Mackay, who produced two singles for me on HMV. These records received excellent reviews.
I had the opportunity to turn professional, when I moved to Melbourne in 1968 to join the Vibrants, a Rock band with three number one hit records. The band broke up six months later and I formed "Graduate" with two other Vibrants members, to play a diverse range of music, including Jazz, Blues, Latin and Rock. Graduate survived in various line-ups for 10 years. Often featuring a female singer out front, the band's extensive tour schedule included all Australian states, as well as six months
in S.E. Asia.
Over the years, I have shared the stage with many International acts like The Kinks, Mungo Jerry, Bee Gees, Jose Feliciano, Fairport Convention, Burl Ives and Roberta Flack. I was also in demand as a studio session musician, as well as guitarist and musical director for a number of Australia's Top Celebrities, including John Farnham, Colleen Hewett, Normie Rowe and John St. Peters. I also taught guitar for many years in music schools and my home studio.
Some of my songs have made it into the finals of the American Song Festival (1976) and the MBAS Blues Performer Of The Year contest (1995).
Currently I perform with my Three-Piece Band *MTB*, as well as a soloist on acoustic guitar.
Thursday,Dec. 31, 2009:The Goldmines Hotel, Marong Road, Bendigo - with MTB. 8:30 to midnight.
Sunday, January 24, 2010: The Goldmines Hotel, Marong Road, Bendigo- with MTB. 2pm to 5pm
ABOUT ME
I don't class myself as a Jazz musician, although a lot of my musical influences come from Jazz. I like infusing various genres into my songs and Jazz often creeps into my playing style.
BOOKS
Mostly Non-fiction, Biographies, History, Mythology, Indigenous Cultures and Spirituality.
MUSIC
I like most styles in Jazz and Blues - anything that's played well and is presented in a professional manner. I also like World Music, Bluegrass, Soul - just about anything, except Punk/Thrash/Rap/Death Metal...etc. Music has to make me feel good and move me. That's what I believe music is meant to be.
MOVIES
I love Comedies, especially those from the UK. Also movies like the Lord Of The Rings and Real Native American films.
HOBBIES
Art - painting/sketching
Music - listening, performing, writing and recording
Cooking
TURN OFF'S
People with *Tunnel Vision*
Greed, Jealousy, Apathy, Aggressiveness and Violence, Self-Righteousness
Hey Marc, my best Aussie mate...sorry about my pronged absences. So, is MMX, 2010, working well for you? I pray it is treating you well and that you are enjoying life and music and friends and family. It's a good year for me, my children are continuing to be productive, due another grandson on Wed 10, to be called Michael (maybe even Mick)...the Lord willing as in all things. Do you have any news on Tigressa and her Dad? if you have contact, please pass on my love and well wishes. I'm off on a criss-cross country trip tomorrow affo...it's a pity this old man lives so far down the road...when it comes to travelling..otherwise where I live is great. Listening to your music as I type, sounding good mate and no, don't ever change the power of the blues! btw, the MLIFC is thriving here!