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Mark Spencer is currently half way through a Master's degree at the University of Melbourne, undertaking a split major of performance (tenor saxophone) and composition. Primarily a bop-style soloist, Mark is known for his authentic "big" tenor sound; Jazzchord Magazine especially noted his sound as standing out amongst the finalists at the Australian National Saxophone Awards finals in 1995. Influences are Stanley Turrentine, John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon and Ben Webster (to mention a few). Mark plays a 1939 special edition factory gold-plated Selmer Balanced Action Tenor Saxophone (the model Selmer produced for Coleman Hawkins) in his quest for authenticity of sound.
Since 1995 Mark has played in numerous groups as a sideman and featured soloist, as well as a leader. His dedication to authenticity of style have led him to playing frequently in the Big Band setting, usually as lead alto!
Mark is also featured as a Baritone soloist on the recent (July) James Sherlock
Quintet CD release on Jazzhead. He plays regularly in various clubs in Melbourne, mostly as a tenor soloist, and tours from time to time through the east coast of Australia.
In 1999 Mark spent some time in New York acquainting himself with many Manhattan musicians and studying with Chris Potter and George Coleman. More of his original compositions are scheduled to be recorded late in 2001.
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