Marcus Rezak is an eminent force in the world of modern guitar.
He is known as a road warrior, playing over 200 headlining shows throughout the US every year, and for his prowess as a bandleader, fronting a bountiful roster of projects ranging from original compositions to his high-octane Grateful Dead tribute Band Shred is Dead and the recently established Gumbo paying homage to Phish’s 1.0 era on an authentic 90s rig on Languedoc Guitars and coveted gear used by Trey Anastasio during the band’s formative years.
“Marcus is a force to be reckoned with...
A born guitarist songwriter and vocalist,
it was a real pleasure to produce his latest album which I feel showcases his diversity and amazing talent.”
“Marcus kills it, shreds it, and has it for breakfast with a side of nails.”
“Recording with Marcus for his new album Truth in Sound, felt like we had been playing together for years; cool songs with deep grooves, just the way I like it.”
“I love the energy and focus in these cuts. It was a pleasure to play on, five-star cast for sure! Marcus is tearing it up! Solid!”
Marcus and Kris Myers goofin’ around backstage.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working on many different projects with Marcus. This one truly shows his highest powers as a versatile, world class musician.”
The culmination of accolades has found him collaborating with the likes of GRAMMY-award-winning producer Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy); Kris Myers (Umphrey’s McGee), Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee), Ike Willis (Frank Zappa), Arthur Barrow (Frank Zappa); Erik Lawrence (Little Feat); and countless others.
Having a commanding stage presence, Rezak takes the euphoric freedom of live music and directs its path into a unique approach with sensibilities of taking comprehensive mental notes on what works, what to improve, and fostering an environment for all collaborators to exceed their full potential in any configuration with any lineup.
This innate skill set has led him to form once-in-a-lifetime super groups such as a Friendsgiving Performance at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA that featured Robby Krieger (The Doors), Felix Pastorius (Hipster Assasins), Scott Page (Pink Floyd), and many more; leading project of his own through several tours throughout the US Virgin Islands; and curating official after-parties for Umphrey’s McGee, Phish, and more.
Rezak’s latest endeavor finds the Chicago native collaborating with GRAMMY-award-winner Paul Nelson to produce his next body of work titled Guitar Head, a blues-oriented album that melds his prestige in the jam, improvisation, and songwriting world with his roots that hail from the “Home of the Blues.”
The forthcoming album will be released via Deko Entertainment and distributed through ADA/Warner Music Group and features Ray Paczkowski (Trey Anastasio Band), Adrian Tramontano (Twiddle & Kung Fu), and Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu & The Machine), and Erik Lawrence (Little Feat).
Marcus has earned music degrees from Berklee College of Music B.M 2006, and Masters Degree in Jazz Composition from DePaul University M.M. 2012.
“It’s been said the only ones who truly advance humanity are the ones who pack their wares and knowledge up and head out on the road of life, leaving and learning knowledge along the way. And that is the simple way of explaining how Marcus Rezak, his gifted producer Paul Nelson and I came together. It was just time on this road of life! As I listened to Marcus’ raw tracks I heard the old, the new, the road, the shared language and the extremely strong individual voice of a fellow road warrior. Guitar and voice give life to all the songs he’s created for this collection. I can tell he gives his all, his best ideas, with passion, intention and inspiration. It’s an honor to add horns to a project like this. Given free rein I can hear in the finished project just how much mutual love for this music we share. Excited for the world to hear this labor of love from Marcus and all involved! ”