DUNE

Marcus Cummins – Saxophone

British saxophonist Marcus Cummins has been associated with the UK free and improvised music scene since the early 90’s. He has worked extensively as a solo artist, in duo’s and larger bands but is perhaps best known internationally for his involvement in Trevor Watts’ ‘Celebration Band’. Born in London he joined the afro – jazz band ‘The Hamptons’ who he played with in bars and clubs around London and the south east. Cummins then studied music formally at Leeds City College of Music and Dartington College of Arts. During this time studying primarily jazz and Indian music (with the council of many masters such as Bobby Wellins; Evan Parker; Paul Dunmall and Dharambir Singh) he developed a personal style unlike that of any of his contemporaries.

He has performed in a wide variety of arenas from traditional jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scotts, London to more ‘improvised’ music festivals such as ‘Edgefest’, Ann Arbor, Mitchigan. From 1999 to 2005 Marcus Cummins played and toured throughout Europe, Canada and America with Trevor Watts’ ‘Celebration Band’ and the London based ‘Rosie brown’ group. He has performed on radio and television, won awards, bursaries and commissions and worked for the British Arts Council and the BBC. He currently lives and works in NYC, playing consistently with 'Arki sound' and ongoing collaborator Nivedita Shivrag's, while continuing to work with long time musical associates from Canada and Europe.