MARCUS GOLDHABER has been called “wonderfully imaginative” (JazzTimes) and “exciting and fresh” (Jazziz) as he quickly gains a reputation among critics and fans for his accessible songwriting and intimate approach to straight-ahead jazz. His first two albums garnered tremendous critical acclaim, with PEOPLE Magazine, in a four-star review of his most recent, saying the New Yorker “will have you giddy one moment and melancholy the next and loving every note.” On his third CD, ALMOST LOVE (Fallen Apple), Marcus will have you thinking about love in ways you may not have considered, and others which bear reminding. He’s written 13 new songs and each introduces a unique perspective toward love, a different journey through love or a moment inside love. “Some of these songs have been inspired by moments in my life, but I also wanted to write from a place that is equal parts conviction and uncertainty,”says Marcus. “This album explores the paths from possibility to bliss … heartbreak to acceptance... anxiety to anticipation ... and denial to rediscovery. Each tune tells its own story and sets its mood.” ALMOST LOVE identifies Marcus’ style as a songwriter…some tunes jump and swing and others are more melancholy, while certain songs connect with the listener often unsure of the next step. Marcus had the honor of working on this album with some of his favorite musicians in the world: Jon Davis (piano and musical director, who co-wrote five songs), Martin Wind (bass) and Marcello Pellitteri (drums), who produced the project as well. Extended personnel: Joel Frahm (tenor/soprano sax), John Hart (acoustic/electric guitar), Erik Friedlander (cello). Guest features: Joe Magnarelli (trumpet) and singer/songwriter Lauren Kinhan of the New York Voices, who sings a duet with Marcus on “If I Knew Better.” Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Marcus developed a passion for jazz and the songs of the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s alongside a 1928 Ivers & Pond upright piano, on which his mother casually played countless standards. Marcus currently performs in many of the greatest jazz venues in NYC including: Iridium, The Kitano, The Metropolitan Room, The Cutting Room, Sweet Rhythm, Opia, The Friars Club, The Makor/Steinhardt Center, The Carnegie Club, Lenox Lounge and a guest spot with the legendary Les Paul. He also has performed concerts at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, Pier 92 (NYC), The 2008 Chocolate Show (NYC), Worldwide Plaza (NYC), The AOL Time Warner Center and has maintained extended engagements at both the Benjamin Hotel and The Night Hotel. On Marcus’ 2006 debut CD, The Moment After, (Fallen Apple), he teamed with Jon Davis (piano), Paul Gabrielson (bass) and a tandem of Kyle Struve and Will Terrill on drums. The arrangements were intentionally simple with straight-ahead phrasing to showcase the beauty in the melodies and lyrics, prompting PEOPLE Magazine to highlight Marcus’ “no frills approach” with a three-star review, and JazzTimes to declare him“a solid saloon style balladeer.” This album also received noteworthy press from Jazz Improv, Hot House Magazine, and All About Jazz as well as several featured spots by Jonathan Schwartz (WNYC & Sirius XM Radio). Marcus followed his debut in late 2008 with Take Me Anywhere (Fallen Apple), which introduced seven original compositions co-written with Jon Davis, and quickly became one of the top selling “Crossover Jazz” records on CDbaby.com (in partnership with Amazon). Once again, Marcus teamed with Davis on piano, but this time with Martin Wind on bass and Marcello Pellitteri on drums. Guest spots included Lieven Venken on drums for “Look for the Silver Lining” and harmonica virtuoso, Hendrik Meurkens on the title track, “Take Me.” This record introduced Marcus as a songwriter and garnered him a four-star review from PEOPLE Magazine and high acclaim as New York Magazine’s “Retro Pick.” Marcus has had the privilege of performing with many fantastic musicians and connecting with audiences all over the world. He is ever grateful for his family’s constant love and support and especially for his late grandparents, who raised his mother with music so that she could do the same for him.