Marzuki Grinage
Michael “Marzuki” Grinage is a recording artist/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist songwriter/producer/engineer, living in Oakland, California. (USA)
Marzuki is currently completing his first solo CD, scheduled for release on Innerphonic Records. "I'm really excited about this project. I feel grateful to God that I've been blessed with this gift of creating music and I can't wait to share the love." says Marzuki.
Innerphonic Records released a mp3 demo version of "When I Think Of You," a song composed, performed and produced by Marzuki. "When I Think Of You," was a
free download for all email list members. (no longer available.) Marzuki also plans to release other free full length MP3 song downloads in the near future so be sure to sign the email list here on Innerphonic.com.
From birth, Marzuki was surrounded with the music of his father Raphael Grinage, a multi-instrumentalist, who, worked with greats such as Odetta, Earl “Fatha” Hines, Charles Brown, Ahmed Jamal, Carmen McCrae, Charles Mingus and Taj Mahal. Marzuki started playing guitar at age 10, teaching himself to play by listening to Jimi Hendrix and Prince records, among others. Marzuki also gained many valuable lessons and experience playing and recording with his father. “My father had the biggest influence on me as a musician." "He taught me how to play from my inner being and respect music as a powerful spiritual expression,” says Marzuki.
Michael recently decided to use his spiritual name Marzuki (meaning Blessed by God, fortunate,) given to him by Ibu Rahayu, the daughter of Bapak Muhammad Subuh Sumohadiwidjojo, his spiritual guide and the founder of the spiritual group Subud.
“I want to feel close to the power of God always, and using the name Marzuki serves as my reminder and helps keep me grounded,” says Marzuki. Bapak has also been a great influence on Marzuki's music. "Bapak said that if you were truly close to God you could compose a song a minute. Bapak could sing some of the most beautiful songs spontaneously as he received them, surrendering to the power of God."
Marzuki has performed and or recorded with members of Santana, James Brown, Sly And The Family Stone, Graham Central Station, The Gap Band, Toni Tony Tone!, The Wailers, John Lee Hooker, and Con Funkshun.
Marzuki Grinage is a Certified Instructor of the Legendary Seth Riggs Speech Level Singing Technique and is currently the only Certified SLS teacher in Oakland, CA. The Speech Level Singing Technique is used by over 100 Grammy Award Winners, including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson and 5 Met Opera winners among many others.
*For those interested in learning Voice, Guitar, & Bass, Marzuki is currently offering lessons. Please contact (510) 539-6889, or send an email for more info.
An essential ingredient to Marzuki’s development is his desire to constantly challenge himself. In addition to playing guitar for many years, Marzuki has continued to develop his abilities to sing, play bass, drums, keyboards, write, arrange, produce, and engineer, feeding his never ending hunger for growth and self-expression. Marzuki’s desire for growth has resulted in the ability to complete songs and productions from start to finish by himself. In 2002 (after completing the Music Recording Industry Certificate Program @ San Francisco State University,) Marzuki Grinage established Elevatesong Productions, offering competitive production services to artists and record labels in need of professional and marketable recordings.
Marzuki studies voice with Seth Riggs along with other Speech Level Singing teachers Dave Stroud, Wendy Parr, Greg Enriquez, Dean Kaelin, bass with Kai Eckhardt (John Mclaughlin,) drums with Alan Hall (former Boston Berklee College of Music teacher,) Jazz composition, theory, harmony, arranging and ear training with saxophonist Jim Grantham (former teacher @ Berklee College of Music, San Francisco State, director of Jazz Studies at Cal State at Hayward, and author of The Jazz Master Cookbook,) production, engineering, songwriting, publishing, artist management, legal aspects of the music business with Josh Hecht, Scott Matthews, Steve Seskin, Michael A. Aczon and Marc Greenberg @ SFSU’s MRI (Music Recording Industry) Program.
Marzuki cites, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone and Prince as key influences. “I’ve been really inspired by the body of work that, Stevie, Sly and Prince created," says Marzuki. "All three are incredible recording artists, songwriters, producers and multi- instrumentalists." "Each of them have also used their music and status to influence positive changes in the world." "My ultimate goal is to use my music for positive social change too." ###