Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Mark Soskin was born on July 12, 1953 in Brooklyn, New York. Attending Colorado State University he pursued classical piano studies but his interests in jazz music grew and by 1973 he enrolled in Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachiusetts. He studied composition and arranging. While there he began working professionally until moving to San Francisco, Califonia and eventually going on to work with some of the west coast’s finest players.

Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, he was introduced to Pete Escovedo and along with his daughter Sheila. E they toured and recorded as Azteca, a group in which Soskin’s keyboard, writing, and arranging talents were showcased. Eventually, the group, including trumpeter Tom Harrell, went on to record twice for Fantasy Records. Enlisted in Cobham’s band for two years produced two recordings for Columbia. Between tours for Cobham, Soskin did a tour and live recording for the CBS All Stars with Tom Scott, Alphonso Johnson and Steve Khan. At this time Soskin was an active session player at Fantasy.

Mark signed his first recording contract with Prestige titled Rhythm Vision with Benny Maupin and Harvey Mason among others. Introduced by Orrin Keepnews to Sonny Rollins, the two started a fruitful collaboration that lasted 14 years. By 1981 he was  living in New York City as an active sideman and leader.

He has been written up in numerous music publications, including Ira Gitler and Leonard Feather’s Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz and The Jazz Book by Joachim E. Berendt. Mark Soskin is featured in the film documenting latin jazz artists entitled Calle 54. Pianist Mark Soskin has recorded 10 albums as a leader, three as co-leader and continues to maintain a busy tour schedule as well as giving master classes, workshops, teaches privately and is on the faculty of The Manhattan School Of Music.