Chuck Marohnic

Chuck Marohnic is a member of that part of the jazz community that combines recording and performance with education. In Marohnic's case, education means much more than giving private lessons. In addition to his recording schedule for Summit label, he is Director of Jazz Studies for Arizona State University, has authored four instructional books, and scored several church hymns for jazz. Also a composer of note, the Jazzbird Foundation of San Diego, CA, commissioned a Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra which premiered with the Arizona State University Symphony Orchestra in March of 2000. While doing all of this, he has managed an active performing career, which started at the age of 16 after hearing Red Garland at the keyboards. His 40 years in jazz have seen him on 24 albums either as leader or sideman, including appearing on albums with Chet Baker andJoe Henderson, and working as a sideman with Ira Sullivan and Buddy Rich, among others. Marohnic's style is difficult to classify because he is skilled in virtually all jazz modes, but he focuses on the post-bop medium. One of his albums, the tongue in cheek-titled White Men Can't Monk, illustrates his imagination with the compositional pen and with the piano showing off his versatility in both areas. A frequent performer at jazz festivals and concerts, he has worked these venues with such diverse partners as Eddie Jefferson, The National Youth Symphony of Bulgaria, and the Great American Music Hall with Joe Diorio. When Marohnic finds time to relax, he listens to an eclectic set of stylists including the music of modern classical composer Arvo Part and Keith Jarrett and Kenny Wheeler, as well as the jazz masters of the past.