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.”