Marc Pompe began performing around Rush Street as a solo pianist and vocalist in the mid-1950s. He was influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonious Monk and his vocal influences included Frank Sinatra, Joe Williams, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McCrae, and Jon Hendricks.
In 1965, Marc left Chicago to work out of New York and played at Jilly’s in New York City, Eddie’s Backstreet in St. Thomas, The Gaslight Club in Toronto, and Mother’s Lounge in Pittsburgh.
After 40 years of performing, Marc released first CD, Nobody Else But Me, with Kopaesthetics Records. Cadence Jazz Magazine described the album saying, “Marc does it the traditional way, full-blooded belting in front of a tasty piano trio.”
In 2004, Marc released his next album, Lost in the Stars, with CIMP Records. On this album, backed by a guitar trio, Marc breaths intimacy into deeply personal lyrics. “Marc Pompe is a true Jazz singer who follows the thread of his own instinct while reacting to his musical surroundings, all the while insisting that notes sustained are never lost anywhere.”
Marc’s new album, You Must Believe in Swing, was released in November of 2004 with Cadence Jazz Records. This recording features Hammond B-3 wizard, Joey Defrancesco, with Henry Johnson on guitar and Byron Landham on drums. With the backing of this powerful B-3 Hammond trio, Marc was able soar! Chicago Jazz Magazine praised, “As for Pompe, he has two things that most singers don’t: his own style and good phrasing. His treatment of each song is unique without losing the tradition of singers that come before him.” JazzReview.com even added, “Pompe handles the American songbook with magnetism and assurance.”
