MARCUS PELTA - BIO
December 1, 2002 Marcus with Atila and Alcione
Marcus started playing keyboards when he was 9. By age 15 he was playing piano
semiprofessionally (and to get girls, mostly by playing Billy Joel songs). His notoriety
as a keyboardist got him into the society circuit (weddings, corporate, etc.) in the
greater Philadelphia area, up to the time he left for Florida in September of '01.
Vocally, Marcus has sung in a wide variety of settings and styles, such as jazz,
popular standards, in professional choirs, and in barbershop quartets.
He trained as a bass/baritone through college.
Marcus has also composed dozens of songs and even scored two
musicals, one of which was for TV. He has worked closely with
educational entities in Philadelphia to produce the musicals.
Marcus received a degree in Music Education from Temple University in 1990
and began teaching in 1992. During this time he performed in many bands and
composed music. While in college ('85-'90), Marcus was a music announcer for
Temple University's WRTI (90.1 FM). He was asked to host a show called
"Friday Night Fusion" (later renamed "The Short Fuse"), where he first heard
the music of Jaco Pastorius. Jaco's astounding music prompted Marcus to take
up the bass. He bought his first bass from his next door neighbor, and
immediately began learning such Pastorius greats as "Continuum" and
"Portrait of Tracy." For his final show, Marcus had Jaco's father and cousin
as guests. Marcus played the bass live on air and was received well.
In September of 2001, Marcus moved to West Palm Beach. Soon he would meet
numerous Florida members of the Pastorius family, including Jaco's twin sons,
Felix and Julius. Marcus was invited to play keyboards with the Pastorius twins
in a concert on what would have been Jaco's 50th birthday, at the Hollywood
Playhouse.
Marcus considered this his proudest moment in his musical
history.
Marcus also taught piano throughout the Naples area.
In December of 2002 he once again partook in the annual Jaco Pastorius Birthday bash,
played with Julius and Felix Pastorius, as well as with others who were present.
On January 14, 2003 Marcus passed, leaving many with a deep sense of loss.
He was a special, soulful person who impacted our lives...he will never be forgotten.
May he rest in Peace.
B A C K
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