about mar

Mar Dizon grew up playing rock, soul, and funk, that all began at a place called Happy Valley -- a nightclub that was home to his roots as a musician. From covers like Led Zep, Tower of Power, Grand Funk Railroad, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Juan de la Cruz band, Maria Cafra, and Anak Bayan, Mar's musical foundation was also formed by the soul music of the Motown era with artists such as the Temptations, Commodores, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and lots more.

Early influences like John Bonham, Walter Orange, Pepe Smith, Roy Mercado, Edmund Fortuno, and Ian Paice, were later augmented by Billy Cobham, Tony Velarde, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Jack DeJohnette, and Elvin Jones.

While in the University of the Philippines, College of Music, he studied rudiments under Prof. Eliseo Clamor. Through Prof. Fred Robles, the doors to a wider understanding of jazz were opened. Mar then became the resident drummer for the U.P. Jazz Ensemble and percussionist for both the Philippine Youth Orchestra and Metro Manila Symphony Orchestra.

It was also during these times Mar discovered ethnic music. He studied and learned Maguindanao music (southern) under the instruction of Aga Mayo Butocan, playing kulintang and all other instruments of the Palabunibunyan Ensemble. From Ben Pangusban, he also learned Kalinga music (northern) playing instruments like gangsa (flat gong), kubing (jews harp), nose flute, tambi (bamboo zither), and many more.

This is where Mars draws inspiration for his song writing. "Kalabukab", written during his Side A days, but recorded by BUHAY in 2000, was his first attempt to fuse western music with Maguindanao rhythmic mode, Binalig. It won Best Jazz Instrumental Recording at 15th Awit Awards in 2002.

His song "Flunk" (also recorded by BUHAY) earned him an award as composer and arranger at the 8th Katha Music Awards 2002 for Best Jazz Instrumental Composition.

"Sweet Heart", recorded by Parliament Syndicate, was Mar's first try at making commercial music. It won at the 4th Katha Music Awards 1998 for Best Contemporary Jazz Song.

Mar Dizon is noted for setting the trend in the local band scene -- a moving force. He co-founded Side A, formed Artstart, and was a huge part of Parliament Syndicate. He has done tours and recordings with them all.

As a versatile drummer, he played with international artists such as Eddie Henderson, Kevyn Lettau, Julia Fordham, Alan Brunett, Alex Wilson, Jim Brickman, David Pomeranz, Bruce Conte, Pauline Wilson, and more. In the local arena, he has worked with almost everybody.

Pursuing his passion to master his craft, he is more involved in jazz -- it is, to him, the step in actualizing the sum of an all-around drummer/musician. Representing the country, Mar played with TALA at 1994 North Sea Jazz Festival in the Hague, Netherlands. With BUHAY, he played at The Singapore International Jazz Festival in 2001 and at Carl's Reserve Jazz Festival in Malaysia. In 2004, again with BUHAY, he played at The Bali International Jazz Festival. He plays with jazz bands such as AKASHA, Merk and Friends, JazzVolunteers, and BUHAY.

Mar was a pioneer Zildjian endorser in the Philippines since 1995. He has shared stage with Dennis Chambers at the 1st Zildjian Day in Manila in 1997. He is also the first Filipino to endorse Mapex Drums.

As an educator, he finds balance by sharing his knowledge. Having founded Progressive Drum Methods, Mar has mentored young talents like Benjie Mendez, Franklin Benitez, Gerald Banzon, Vic Mercado, Vinci Rodriguez, and many more. He continues to teach and inspire while contributing greatly to the evolution of pinoy drumming.