Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 26, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Film

 

 

Vocal

 

Mark Dresser is a renowned American double bass player, composer, and improviser who has made significant contributions to the world of contemporary classical music. Born on September 26, 1952, in Los Angeles, California, Dresser grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from an early age. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist, which influenced his musical interests and career path. Dresser began playing the piano at the age of five and later switched to the double bass when he was in high school. He attended the University of California, San Diego, where he studied with renowned bassist Bertram Turetzky and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1974. He then went on to study at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in music in 1978. Dresser's career as a professional musician began in the late 1970s when he joined the Anthony Braxton Quartet, a renowned avant-garde jazz group. He played with the group for over a decade and recorded several albums with them, including "Composition 98" and "Composition 113." Dresser's work with the Anthony Braxton Quartet helped establish him as a leading figure in the world of contemporary jazz and experimental music. In the 1980s, Dresser began to explore other genres of music, including classical and world music. He collaborated with several classical musicians, including violinist Mark Feldman and pianist Anthony Davis, and performed with the Kronos Quartet, a renowned string quartet known for their innovative approach to classical music. Dresser also began to incorporate elements of world music into his compositions, drawing inspiration from African, Indian, and Middle Eastern music. Throughout his career, Dresser has performed with some of the most prominent musicians in the world of contemporary classical music, including John Zorn, Fred Frith, and Gerry Hemingway. He has also collaborated with dancers and choreographers, including Min Tanaka and Lisa Naugle, and has composed music for several dance productions. Dresser has received numerous awards and accolades for his work as a musician and composer. In 2015, he was awarded a Doris Duke Impact Award, which recognizes artists who have made significant contributions to the field of contemporary dance, music, and theater. He has also received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Dresser is also a respected educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of California, San Diego, and the University of California, Irvine. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians and composers. Dresser's discography includes over 100 recordings, including solo albums and collaborations with other musicians. Some of his most notable albums include "Banquet," a collaboration with pianist Denman Maroney, and "Nourishments," a solo album that features Dresser's compositions for solo double bass. In conclusion, Mark Dresser is a highly respected and influential figure in the world of contemporary classical music. His innovative approach to music and his willingness to explore different genres and styles have made him a leading figure in the field.

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