Mark Isham

Mark Isham (b. September 7, 1951 in New York City) is an American trumpeter, synthesist, and Academy Award-nominated film composer. He works in a variety of genres, including jazz, electronic, and film. Isham studied classical music at an early age and played trumpet, piano and violin. The Isham family later moved to San Francisco, where Mark found work in several of the local orchestras. He also became actively involved in the Bay Area rock and ... more

Mark Isham (b. September 7, 1951 in New York City) is an American trumpeter, synthesist, and Academy Award-nominated film composer. He works in a variety of genres, including jazz, electronic, and film. Isham studied classical music at an early age and played trumpet, piano and violin. The Isham family later moved to San Francisco, where Mark found work in several of the local orchestras. He also became actively involved in the Bay Area rock and roll scene of the 1960s, performing live with several of the local groups. He was a member of a Marin County band called Beefy Red from 1970-72, performing both on trumpet and soprano saxophone. (The group also included guitarist Barry Finnerty, who later played and recorded with Miles Davis, the Crusaders, and the Brecker Brothers, among others.) After performing in music venues ranging from Marin's 'Lion's Share' to San Francisco's Fillmore West, Beefy Red disbanded in January, 1972. In 1974 Isham joined former Beefy Red members Phil Wood ... less