An engineer by trade, here is Mark Tucker’s story: “My grandmother was a great piano player. She played for her church choir but could also knock out a swinging version of “Honeysuckle Rose” at a moment’s notice. That started it all for me. I started taking lessons and plinking notes on piano at age 12 and have been playing in jazz combos or big bands ever since. I joined the GPC big band over 10 years ago and have loved every minute of it. In addition to that, I write a lot of jazz tunes these days. I also play with my own piano trio (not surprisingly called “The Mark Tucker Trio”) and with many other jazz combo and big band groups in town – basically any group that will have me. It’s been a fun ride and I’m thankful for the opportunity to make music with other great musicians here in Atlanta.”