Marvin Tuten

Story

Retired from live performances to songwriting.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Painted a music store, earning first guitar. Charlie Christian, Wes Montgomery, Chuck Berry, George Benson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Santana, Richie Havens, British Invasion, Motown, Stax and EWF influences.

What is your music dream?

Collaborate in studio with singer songwriters who want customized repertoire, new stylings and control over lyrics/melody. My pre-recorded are a session-starter, like hamburger helper, good tempos and keys for dancing.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

End plagiarism and payola. Of course, I can't see enforcement defeating international hackers.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer earning $13,000,000 in royalties by the time I was 50 years old. Bravo, songwriter!

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Count Basie, Bix Biederbeck, Benny Goodman, Tiajuana Brass, The Funk Brothers, Muscle Schoals Rhythym Section, Kool and the Gang, Earth Wind and Fire, Solange, Beyonce OTR2, Normani, Ciara.

What inspires you to make music?

Grandpa was church organist, Grandma taught choir. My father was jazz pianist and composer with Buck Hill. Played double bass in Elementary School orchestra. Since 15 years old, new songs pop into my head. Sight read tenor for church choir. Founded Coffee House-style group: "Gypsy Cab", NYC. Videographer for Chicago's "Jazzy Ladies". Blogger for Facebook Beyhive and Solange Fan and Stan Clubs.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

My 3 God Daughters were orphaned by crack O.D. My church friends adopted them away from bullying. Public School bullied, harrassed and taunted them. They joined choir and Girl Scouts. They formed a Destiny's Child Showcase act that gave them self-esteem, female affirmations and audience greatly appreciating their talent. Music is a blessing and responsibilty. Classy grace.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Decades ago, I fixated on serious listeners to evaluate repertoire. I have zero stage fright, dance around, sing harmonies and do call-and-answer routines with audience. Fun!

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

My friends who graduated from Juilliard last decade were buying licenses to play on subway platforms. Others offered live trios in their living rooms to supplement rent. Several Jazz clubs closed in Chicago in last twenty years. Gig economy stuck on low-wage bars and lounges.

What do you think of Drooble?

The perfect answer!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Dozens of genres and miniscule value-adds. Everything is "NEW", but, too familiar!

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Documented several local bands on videotape. Uploaded band videos to Facebook pages I created for them. Fun occassions!

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Web saavy. Social Media strategy. Online charisma. Networks of influencers.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Barabara Burton was original drummer for The Wiz, first tour and Broadway premiere. She performed as Local 802, AFM NYC, musician with Marvin Gaye (Radio City Music Hall), Temptations (Uris Theater), Stephanie Mills (Grande Finale), and Todd Rungren.