About
Developing a taste for Jazz while still in high school, he attended the
University of New Hampshire and played with several Jazz ensembles including two big
bands and a Jazz choir. While at UNH, Marc was exposed to great Jazz musicians such
as Phil Woods, Milt Hinton, Frank Wess, took some lessons with pianist James Williams
and was introduced to the music and teaching of legendary trumpeter Clark Terry (famous
for his work with Lionel Hampton, Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, The Tonight
Show Band) and trumpeter Stephen Fulton.
Through this meeting, Marc went on to study with Stephen Fulton and Morris Nelms at the
Clark Terry International Institute of Jazz Studies. Through Clark Terry's approach to
learning and Stephen Fulton's teaching and inspiration, Devine began to develop a style
based on his piano influences Wynton Kelly, Red Garland (both of whom played with Miles
Davis), Hampton Hawes, Bud Powell, Count Basie and Erroll Garner. Marc also had the
opportunity to study and perform with Jazz greats Red Holloway, Butch Miles, Jessie Davis,
and, of course, Clark Terry.
After leaving the Clark Terry school, Devine moved to the Austin area where he excelled as a band leader and continued to hone his musical skills performing at the Texas Jazz Festival, Kemah Jazz Festival, and more. In early 2009 Marc made the leap and moved to the Big Apple. He currently resides in Harlem and is making his mark on the Jazz scene of New York City.