Press Clips
Jeleniewski's Christmas CD delightful
"Jeleniewski... has created a lush, jazzy, fresh take on eleven seasonal favorites...
Jeleniewski has even included an old Eartha Kitt tune, "Santa Baby" which I hope will give all of you "Jingle Bell Rock" fans a run for your money. It is delightful!
The whole album would be a perfect accompaniment to a cozy evening with family or friends, with or without a tree.
...do yourself a favor and add this CD to your permanent library!"
Jazzscene
Mark J. offers mellow Yule
"On the standards presented in Christmas Keys, Mr. J.'s relaxed jazz and New Age piano stylings are supported by area stalwarts Phil Baker, Dave Captein, and Mel Brown. Saxman Renato Caranto, Percussionist Brian Davis, and guitarist Chuck Everett also make appearances. This music is probably a good representation of what you might hear Mark J. playing at one of his holiday gigs in town. A pleasant, very mellow, seasonal album."
Music: Band Two Much plays variety of styles
"...a band that would play music everyone could dance to — from grandmas to little kids.
When it came time to clear the tables and just have fun, Two Much played rock'n'roll, swing and big band sounds.
'Variety is our format,' said Mark Jeleniewski, who has been working with musician John Fresk for 14 years. Their band plays about 100 weddings a year.
'We play everything from the '30s to the 90's: big band music to Jimmy Buffett and Van Morrison to ZZ Top and Prince. Reading the crowd makes it all work.'
The two musicians, who both sing, put out a big, fun sound with the use of multiple keyboards and computer-synthesized drums.
For those wanting an even bigger sound, the two add a saxophonist and percussionist who also sing."
Oregonian
Veteran musician cuts new CD
"For years, Portland has been the breeding ground for many substantial musical talents. One of the area's best kept secrets is the composing and performing abilities of local standout, Mark Jeleniewski. Know professionally as Mark J., this native Oregonian has plied his trade as a musician for over two decades with variety of groups.
Since his first actual vocal recital at the age of three, Mark J.'s musical prowess has earned him a college scholarship and taken him on performance tours across North America and Europe. His instruments of choice, piano and voice, have helped him entertain audiences at over 8000 events such as the Hillsboro Rose Festival Airshow and the Hawthorne Bridge Lighting Ceremony. Other credits include opening for such name acts as Maynard Ferguson, Phoebe Snow and The Oregon Symphony, as well as appearances at The Bite and the Oregon State Fair.
As a member of the popular local group Freeway in the '80s, Mark played mostly mainstream pop material in a variety of clubs, fairs and college venues. The group was able to record two albums worth of original compositions penned mostly by Mark J. himself. Frustrated by business problems within the group, he decided to go solo with his skills.
Mark J.'s compositional skills have met with much critical acclaim, garnering awards in several highly respected music contests. On the local level, he took first place in the jazz category of the Portland Music Association's annual competition four years ago. Other submissions have placed highly in the nationwide Music City Song Festival in Nashville and the International Billboard Magazine Song Contest. Accolades from music industry professionals abound as well.
Mark J. has just released a well-crafted solo instrumental CD called Cloud Catcher that has created a positive buzz from many listeners. The music on the disc, which Mark J. says was "inspired by the incredible beauty of the Cascade Mountains," creates stunning aural landscapes. Cuts such as Peaceful — currently aired on KINK radio, Far Away and the title track Cloud Catcher recall the serenity of a hike in the mountains on a spring day. Well Akerman, President of Windham Hill Records, commented recently on Mark J.'s "fine playing and intelligent composition," in regards to the new release. Another noted producer, Kin Vassey, who has worked for years with Kenny Rogers remarks that the "songwriting is world class!"
In addition to marketing Cloud Catcher, Mark J. stays busy playing throughout the week at various locations as a solo act, as well as with John Fresk in a duo and with his self-named trio. This hard working individual sometimes plays as many as two or three gigs in a day, doing a luncheon session at the Shilo Airport on a daily basis and then hustling off to another venue for another gig. Through it all, he plays with a smile on his face, dedicated to his love of music."
Oregonian
Mark J's third holiday CD to be launched Dec. 1 at Old Church
"The third disc makes a trio of "keepers."
There are 10 tunes that include three Mark J. originals. One of them, "Peaceful," reminds you of a blanket of snow that covers and quiets the world.
"Tis a gift" is based on the Shaker tune that American composer Aaron Copland used in his Appalachian Spring Suite. Since this year is the 100th anniversary of Aaron Copland's birth, it is a more than fitting salute."
Mark J's new CD, That's All, in wide distribution
"Pianist Mark Jeleniewski has recently released two new albums. That makes a total of four, both produced by Jeleniewski at his own studio.
The entire album has a delightful, lilting, hip feeling to it, and will surely rival the first album for airplay on my stereo system.
The CD was recently picked up by Life Dance Distributing, an international distributing house with 6500 outlets in North America alone. It is also available at most local outlets including all Made In Oregon stores.
Jeleniewski is one of Portland's busiest and best-loved pianists.
We hope he sells a truckload full!"
Oregonian
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