Review: Nick Marks - Cinematic Chromatics Vol. III (Independent)

Nick Marks' 'Cinematic Chromatics Vol.III' is due out but blimey, if Melborne was a band, it would be one hell of a supergroup!

Since we last checked out Nick Marks, Cinematic Chromatics Vol.II EP (see review HERE), in addition to fellow Melbs music skool Finn Rees (see review HERE), we've now discovered another one, Rami Imam (who's Safara EP is today too! - see review HERE).

And much like Rami's 'Safara' mix of multi-genres, Nick's high-end "cinematic edge" with jazz, electronica, funk and hip-hop (as in  'Cinematic Chromatics Vol.I' - see review HERE - and Vol. 2), Vol. 3 has added a deep sandy Brazilian 800km coastline on 'Current Location' that features Chien Chien Lu (vibes), CARRTOONS (electric bass) and renowned Chilean pianist Benjamin Furman plus Dave Levy on trumpet (Norah Jones, LCD Sound System, Robert Glasper), Chris Ott (trombone), Leandro Pellegrino, Doron Lev (drums/programming), Brittany Harris (Cello/Violin), Damian Bolotin (Violin) and starring on flute, Sarpay Ozçagatay (watch out Flute Gang!)

Amazing the talent pool in New York where Nick is based now and as this is the last release in the trilogy, "Top Marks" for Nick Marks as he's got more hits than Luke Littler.

Title: Cinematic Chromatics Vol.III EP

Release date: 7th February, 2025

Label: Independent

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital

Review: Nick Marks - Cinematic Chromatics Vol.II EP (Independent)

We've been ontop of all of the latest releases by Nick Marks as he's another out of the Melbourne Skool (check the other big release today on Mr. Bongo, Finn Rees - see review HERE).

This is just as good as 'Cinematic Chromatics Vol.I' (see review HERE) as Cinematic Chromatics Vol.II' features Doron Lev (rap and drums) on 'Keep Goin' Gotta Keep Up' and there's also Andrew Gould (alto sax) who has played with the Ron Carter Big Bad), Dave Levy on trumpet (Norah Jones, LCD Sound System, Robert Glasper and on electric guitar, Danny Hayoun.

With such a level of talent, this is another great fusion of hip-hop, funk, jazz where Weather Report can sit next to Thundercat.

Four great tracks on this EP and so far I've resisted saying, "Top Marks" but this is the time, Nick "Top" Marks is hitting all the doubles 'n' out.

Title: Cinematic Chromatics Vol.II EP

Release date: 31st May, 2023

Label: Independent

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital

Review: Nick Marks - Dedication (For Gabi) (Independent)

I don't know who Gabi is but wouldn't it be great if Nick Marks dedicated a piece of music as beatiful as this to you?

It's fair to say that we've been more than impressed with Nick's previous releases, 

'Cinematic Chromatics Vol.1' (see review HERE) and 'Asymptomatrix' featuring Sam Dillon (see review HERE) so 'Dedication (For Gabi) is a trio of winners with some serious strings and soundtrack leanings.

We're told that the track is dedicated to his cousin who was lost a seven year battle with cancer at the young age of 31.

This is a fitting tribute and features, not only the Budapest Art Orchestra's string section but also the vocals of NYC-based Lativan jazz singer, Arta Jēkabsone.  Marks' also lives in New York (having grown up and been active in the Melbourne soul-jazz, hip-hop,R&B scene) and 'Dedication' is the jazz opposite of anothr New York based exile, Kenneth Jimenez (see review HERE of his 'Sonnet To Silence' album on We Jazz) but should they ever meet up for a chat and a drink, they'll raise a glass for Gabi (RIP).

Artist: Nick Marks

Title: Dedication (For Gabi)

Release date: 15th March, 2023

Label: Independent

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital

Review: Nick Marks - Asymptomatrix feat. Sam Dillon (Independent)

Still not got over how good Nick Marks' debut EP is, (Cinematic Chromatics Vol. 1 - see review HERE), here's a new single, 'Asymptomatirx' that features the sax of Sam Dillion. 

We know that Mr. Marks is a master of the cross-pollinated electronia of OST/hip-hop/soul/jazz and more but this new track is more drum'n'bass/electronica with a jazz version of Frank Zappa track; Dillion being Frank on sax being Sam Rivers.

Sam has played with Mingus Big Band, Birdland Big Band and the Village Vanguard Orchestra so he knows his be-bop and more.

I hope this is a early look into 'Cinematic Chromatics Vol. 2' as it's another winner. 

Artist: Nick Marks

Title: Cinematic  Asymptomatrix feat. Sam Dillon  

Release date: 1st November, 2023

Label: 

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital

Review: Nick Marks - Cinematic Chromatics Vol.1 (Independent)

How good is Nick Marks?  If he was a 100m athlete, he'd break the current world record by at least 4 seconds: one for every track on this EP!

We've loved everything we've heard as singles previously, 'Dorongo', 'Paradiso' (love the rock guitar solo at the end, who'd have thought it'd fit in so well) and 'Ride The Dragon'.

I've said before that is like a 'modern' interpretation of jazz-funk OST as Marks gets his 70s 'Thundercat' on with the Metropole Orkest for 'Enter the Dragon' (Lalo Schifrin) meets 'Death Wish' (Herbie Hancock).

So, you can tell from the titles that there's a big cinematic influence as there is with the new track, 'Prelude/Asrc Of Light'. You just know 'Prelude' is going to be the atmospheric tension before the opening 'Arc Of Light' orchestral jazz sunshower of sound.

It's like Miguel Atwood-Ferguson has teamed up with Lalo Schifrin, Quincey Jones and Eumir Deodato in an explosion of cinematic jazz funk disco goodness with a hint of Dilla.  

This guy's is far to busy for remix work and it's more than evident Mr Nick Marks is a cool dude that's as much Cinematic Chromatics as he is Snarky Puppy. People: this is Vol 1 and it's a set of 3! 

On your Marks, [Nick] you might say?

PS. The artwork by rtistry and vision. French artist matches the briliane of the music.

PPS. Thanks to the Jazz Chill Blog for quoting, “a twisted jazz fusion of orchestrated funk bruk electronica - dare I say, of Herbie Hancock proportions” (Gerry Hectic, You And The Music)

Artist: Nick Marks

Title: Cinematic Chromatics Vol.1 

Release date: 22nd September, 2023

Label: 

Cat. No: -

Format: Digital