Marcus Anderson, an Antigua artist/endorsee, was recently nominated and won the North Carolina Gospel Announcers Guild 2011 Prestige Awards for Gospel Jazz Artist of the Year. Saxophonist and vocalist, Marcus Anderson is widely recognized for his natural ability to entertain, and performed with groups such as Pieces of a Dream and Four 80 East. Marcus has also been invited to perform with or open for Peter White, Boney James, Mike Phillips, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, George Duke, Everette Harp, Wynton Marsalis, Alex Bugnon, Nnenna Freelon, Bob Baldwin, Matt Marshak, Ledisi, Jennifer Holiday, Anthony Hamilton, Lalah Hathaway and many others. Marcus has performed and recorded using Antigua saxophones - alto, tenor, and soprano - for over 11 years and his instrument of choice currently is the PRO PowerBell alto, model AS4240BG. Marcus Anderson (a Spartanburg, South Carolina, native) was introduced to the saxophone at age 12. As a member of a large musical family of 7 siblings where both his mother and father sing regularly, Anderson's gifts as a musical prodigy were nurtured early. Aware of his natural talent, his parents nurtured his musicality and he began performing in church with his older brothers. He graduated from Dorman High School in Roebuck, SC and after graduation he continued his jazz studies at North Carolina Central University. There he was a member of the program's world renowned Jazz Ensemble directed by Dr. Ira Wiggins. He studied with Branford Marsalis and Gospel Saxophonist, Donald Hayes for several years. His numerous accolades include All-State High School Jazz Ensemble for South Carolina three consecutive years, receiving the Chancellor's Award three times, and having performed for Hilary Clinton and Jesse Jackson. He was the 2009 winner of the Capital Jazz Fest Challenge, and continue on his ambition to perform and inspire fans, live performance including past high profile appearances at venues such as Jazz Alley in Seattle, the Catalina Island Jazz Trax Festival, Humphrey's in San Diego, Spaghettini in Seal Beach and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival in Panama City, Florida. Also his third and latest CD release - "NOW" , Anderson's goal is to capture the energy from his live shows and make this collection of music his most dynamic, joyful and creative recordings yet.