Marc Cary (born January 29, 1967) is an American jazz pianist based out of New York City. Cary has played and recorded with a number of well-known musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove, Arthur Taylor, Abbey Lincoln, Carlos Garnett, Erykah Badu, Meshell Ndegeocello, Stefon Harris, Lauryn Hill, Ani DiFranco, Jackie McLean, Q-Tip, and Carmen McRae.

Life and career

Cary grew up playing on the go-go music scene in Washington, D.C. He eventually moved to New York City, and it was through his work with Abbey Lincoln that broad audiences were first introduced to his rhythmic style, which draws on the influence of Randy Weston and McCoy Tyner.

Discography

As leader/co-leader

As sideman

With Abbey Lincoln

• Who Used to Dance (Verve/Gitanes Jazz, 1996 [1997])

• Wholly Earth (Verve/Gitanes Jazz, 1998 [1999])

With David Murray

• Be My Monster Love (Motéma, 2013)

With Roy Hargrove

• Of Kindred Souls (Novus/RCA, 1993)

With Art Taylor

• Mr. A.T. (Enja, 1992)

Accolades

• Best New Jazz Artist Award, 2000 – Billboard/BET

• Grammy Award nominations for work with Roy Hargrove, Betty Carter, Stefon Harris, and Abbey Lincoln

• Native American Music Awards nomination, 2003

• One of Downbeat magazine's "25 for the future of Jazz!"

• Downbeat, "Rising Star: Keyboard", 2014

Notes