Recently named both “Artist of the Year” and “Composer of the Year” of 2014 by Washington DC’s City Paper, Mark G Meadows has been making quite an impression on the DC jazz scene since 2013 as an accomplished jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and jazz educator. He was awarded the title of Strathmore’s “Artist in Residence” for the 2014-2015 season. Mark recently released his second album, “Somethin’ Good”, which has received worldwide acclaim. Mark is appearing alongside world-renowned musicians such as Bobby McFerrin, Kendrick Lamar, Nicholas Payton, Kurt Elling, Warren Wolf, Cyrus Chestnut, Brent Birckhead, Dontae Winslow, Todd Marcus, Elijah Balbed, Gary Thomas, Paul Bollenback, & Dr. Alex Norris. He has headlined premier clubs in the Baltimore-Washington region including Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, The Strathmore, Bohemian Caverns, Bethesda Jazz & Blues Supper Club, Twins Jazz, The Metropolitan Club, An Die Musik, Caton Castle, The Hopkins Club, The Jazz Loft Series, and more. Mark has recently begun to perform internationally in areas including Qatar, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Canada and The Caribbean. Somehow in Mark’s demanding schedule, he finds the time to teach four courses as an adjunct instructor at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C. He directs and arranges for “The Mellow Tones”, a jazz vocal ensemble who recently opened up for Kendrick Lamar and the NSO at the Kennedy Center. "Mark is a gifted musician. He possesses a strong mastery of the piano and electric keyboard. He has a level of creativity that will define him amongst others in his generation. Mr. Meadows is a young man full of integrity and character. I have seen him consistently bring joy to any environment he is placed in." -Cyrus Chestnut "The Movement" Mark G. Meadows / piano, keyboards, vocals Nicholas Payton / trumpet (tracks 1 & 9) Carroll (CV) Dashiell / drums Romeir Mendez / bass John Lee / guitar Deacon Izzy / rap, vocals Rochelle Rice / vocals Brent Birckhead / alto sax (tracks 2, 5, & 9) Elijah Jamal Balbed / tenor sax (track 5) Jonathan Michel / bass (tracks 6 & 10) Liner Notes for "To The People" In the past few years, my travels, my conversations with friends, and life experiences have really opened my eyes to the world in a new way. I truly believe we are living through monumental times. If you’re unaware of the polarizing social climate rising before our eyes, then hopefully this album will inspire you to see things a little differently; the process of creating it has done so for me. My entire life, I have been surrounded by support, love, and guidance. I write these songs not because I have lived a disenfranchised life, but because I can’t imagine where I’d be if it weren’t for people like you, taking the time to invest your energy into my life. There are far too many people to thank, so I’ll be brief and say to my family, friends, fans, and the amazing networks I have been fortunate enough to be a part of: thank you for fueling my passion, my drive, and my spirit. I don’t have all of the answers, but I pledge to do my part by spreading love, peace, and understanding to all. When you look back on these times, will you look proudly on your stance, beliefs, and actions? Will you be able to tell your grandkids of your voice in the movement, or will you feel ashamed that you sat idly and watched it all go by? I hope you join us and bring about change to the people.