Biography

Marlon McClain began his career in 1972 as the leader and guitarist of the Funk - Rock - R&B Jazz group Pleasure. Pleasure was a risk-taking horn driven band with jazz overtones that accentuated their funk/soul foundation. Based in Portland, Oregon the group released 6 albums on Fantasy Records from 1974 -1981 and developed a loyal-cult following with songs like Let’s Dance, Joyous, Sassafras Girl, Glide and Future Now. In 1981 Marlon McClain released his solo album *Changes* which included special guests Jeff Lorber, Randy Jackson & Steve Smith, during the same time period Marlon formed Mac Man Music Inc with his manager David Leiken. Through Mac Man Music, Marlon produced and wrote songs with many up and coming artists from the Northwest, including Shock, Jeff Lorber Fusion, Nu Shooz, and Kenny G. 1985 - 2001 Marlon became the guitarist for the Motown Grammy award winning group the Dazz Band contributing as a writer and producer to the Hot Spot, Wild & Free, Rock the Room and Time Traveler albums. His association with the leader of the band Bobby Harris led to the formation of Major Hits Records their greatest success was the 1 UAC song Without You released in 2000 recorded by Charlie Wilson. As a song writer Marlon has written songs for artists like Tower of Power, En Vogue, Gerald Albright, Eric Benet & George Benson. As a producer, songwriter and artist he has contributed to over 50 Million in album sales
Currently Marlon has been putting the finishing touches on his instrumental album *TBD* a guitar driven mix of fusion, funk. R&B, and jazz with undertones of rock and blues. It is a follow up to his 1981 Fantasy Records release “Changes”, which featured special guests Jeff Lorber, Steve Smith, and Randy Jackson. *TBD* includes collaborations with Damien Erskine (bass), Phillip Martin(sax), Patrick Lamb(sax), Jeff Lorber(keys) & guitarist Tim Bowman.
Marlon says that many of the ideas and concepts for the songs on TBD came to him while being on the road with Guitars & Saxes. G&S featured Jeff Golub, Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum and Tim Bowman with an all-star backing band. “I had such a great time, working and playing with those talented musicians, that it inspired me to write songs like “The Big Picture” (co written with Jeff Golub) and “Dreaming of You” (co written with Tim Bowman)” other notable tracks are “TBC” which is a tribute to James Brown, “Get What You Want”, “Come On” and the sexy smooth “This Is”… The album really is a reflection on my many years in the business and all of the great artists, producers and writers that I have been fortunate to work with. ! Look for *TBD* in June 2010