Baltimore-based jazz musician Todd Marcus (pictured) experienced first-hand the cruelty of the music business when he held a CD release event at Charm City's historic Patterson Theater in June 2006. His group, the Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra, had a strong album with In Pursuit of the 9th Man, so named because of the difficulties in arranging rehearsals for such a large group, and put on a first-rate performance in front of a capacity crowd. Despite the event's success at every level, the bass clarinetist and composer ended up losing money that night.

"It had me thinking about the role jazz has in America and how larger ensembles present the music," said Marcus, who will bring the group together on Monday for a performance at Blues Alley.

Marcus, who also plays regularly with smaller ensembles, has since become more involved in the business side of music. Using the model of classical ensembles, who depend on endowments, state subsidies, and the like, he sought alternative sources of funding to keep the band working.

"I worked on getting sponsors for the nine-piece band to make it economically viable," he explained. "So in addition to the music, there’s a lot of business involvement."

That is not to say, however, that Marcus has let his creative impulse diminish since the release of the album. Describing his creative direction, he said, "As with any CD, there’s a lot of excitement about it at the beginning, but then you get back to the on-going process of growing as a musician."

"The CD release was a culmination point for a lot of that material," he continued. "I’ve written a lot of stuff since then."

Monday's performance will feature not only material off In Pursuit of the 9th Man, but newer, unrecorded compositions as well.

There are several reasons why this particular band is unique in today's jazz scene, not the least of which is the bandleader's unusual instrument, the bass clarinet. Despite its being outside of the standard jazz idiom, Marcus sees his instrument as a source of inspiration.

"Any musician’s voice is just their personality coming through whatever instrument they play," he said. "My instrument is not that common so it offers me a unique way to present my musical voice."

In addition to his personal sound, the heart of his jazz orchestra lies in Marcus' outstanding compositions, which are layered, textured, and nuanced. The band also features some of the finest young talent this area has to offer. Saxophonist Lyle Link, pianist Joel Holmes and trombonist Reginald Cyntje are just a few of the excellent players that breathe life into Marcus' tunes.

Marcus says he recognizes that youthful vitality is needed if jazz is to prosper today, and sees a larger purpose to his group's musical ambition.

"The older crowd is dying off," he said, "and as artists, we have a greater responsibility to keep the music going."

The Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra will perform 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Monday, January 14. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.