Mark Portmann - Westside (2004)

A best-kept secret in the business. Having quickly gained a considerable reputation as a talented producer, arranger, and musician for some of the biggest stars in music, Mark Portmann steps comfortably into the spotlight as a solo artist with his 3rd solo album, WESTSIDE. The album gives Grammy-nominated arranger and accomplished keyboardist an opportunity to a return of his rich, lyrical, pop flavored jazz melodies to a growing audience of fans. This album all started with putting together my dream team of musicians.

Two different rhythm sections were put together to make this all live recording. One section includes Harvey Mason (Fourplay) on drums with Freddy Washington, Jr (remember the bass line on "Forget Me Nots"), and Paul Jackson, Jr. on gtrs. The other groovemasters include Vinnie Coluita (world reknown) & Steve Ferrone (E. Clapton, Tom Petty) with Neil Stubenhuas on bass and Michael Landau guitar.

Other musicians include: Michael Paulo (sax), Scott Kreitzer (sax), Freddy Washington, Jr (bass), Neil Stubenhaus (bass), Michael Landau (gtr), Paul Jackson, Jr (gtr), Raphael Padilla (percussion), Steve Ferrone (drums), Vinnie Coluita (drums), Bernie Dresel (drums), Leslie Smith (vocals), Mark Portmann (piano, keyboards, programming, arranging, producer).

Portmann moved to Los Angeles in 1989. After a month, he joined the well-known pop/jazz group, the Rippingtons, as their keyboardist. Portmann recorded & traveled with the group for four years, performing before audiences of up to 100,000, and helping the group earn numerous awards. During this time, he also released (2) solo albums "Driving Beverly Hills" and "No Truer Words" which both received critical acclaim and Top5 status in national airplay.

Mark has also added his musical touches to help create the magic with smooth jazz artists Dave Koz, Kirk Whalum, Euge Groove, Brenda Russell, as well as many mainstream recording artists-like Celine Dion, Christina Aguilera, Barbra Streisand, Luis Miguel, Boyz II Men, Josh Groban, and Jaci Velasquez.

Mark has recently composed and worked on the production for the new Josh Groban "Closer" album. His songs have been hitting Billboard's No. 1 spot for nearly a decade including several ASCAP awards, DOVE Award Song of the Year nomination and Grammy nominated songs. He has worked on over 140 albums, several movies and TV shows while in his 14yrs in Los Angeles.

He has also collaborated and worked with renowned producers including David Foster, Phil Ramone, Quincy Jones, Teddy Riley and Latin producer Rudy Perez.

I want to personally thank all my fans for there great encouragement and emails over the years. Your words mean a lot to me. Thank you for waiting all this time for my new release. I read all your emails. And becuase of the success of CD Baby, I now have a new amazing outlet for my new and future music releases. I promise you will be seeing great new music coming your way very soon! Stay tuned...Mark P.