Marco’s musical journey has been a mosaic of experiences and connections. Since his arrival in New York, he has immersed himself in the city’s jazz scene, learning from renowned figures such as Clifford Jordan, Patience Higgins, Marc Mommaas, Mike Longo, Jay Rodriguez, Joel Frahm, Eric Alexander, Darious Jones, Dave Liebman, Jean Michelle Pilc and many others . Each encounter has refined his craft and expanded his artistic horizons.
Born into a family with a deep connection to the arts, Marco’s own story took a significant turn when he married Suzanne Rust, daughter of the pioneering radio talk show host Art Rust Junior. Suzanne, now a senior curatorial producer at the Moth, grew up in an environment where music and culture thrived. The wedding itself was a celebration of these connections, with jazz legend Sonny Rollins gracing the occasion as a guest, a testament to the family’s friendships with luminaries like Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis.
Another significant chapter in Marco’s journey unfolded through his collaboration with director Michele Avantario, which led him to Nigeria. There, he had the honor of meeting Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti, whose groundbreaking music profoundly influenced Marco’s artistic direction. This experience also fostered a lasting bond with Fela’s son, Seun Kuti.
Since travelling to Africa Marco has collaborated for over 15 years with the West African band Denbaya led by Malian singer Makane Kouyate and graced by artists of he caliber of Yacouba Sissoko, Balla Kouyate, Mamadou Konate Simbo and many others.
In Rome, Marco had the privilege of studying under the guidance of tenor saxophonists Pierpaolo Iacopini, Mario Raja, and David Keberle. These experiences were further enriched by his participation in the ensemble of the Scuola Popolare di Musica Di Testaccio.
As a founding member and tenor saxophonist of the band “il Collettivo,” Marco contributed to their debut album “Wednesdays at Boom” in 2009.