After more than 50 years in music and 22 albums to his name, Mark Winkler continues to evolve with Love Comes First, a richly layered new project two years in the making. The album brings together 22 of Southern California’s top jazz musicians across a variety of configurations, blending five classic standards with six original compositions that highlight Winkler’s signature mix of wit, warmth, and emotional depth.
Winkler’s journey as a songwriter gained early momentum when Liza Minnelli recorded his song “Tropical Nights” in 1977, turning it into the title track of a hit album. Since then, his work has been embraced by a wide range of acclaimed artists, including Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Jane Monheit, among many others. Over the years, he has also collaborated with jazz icons like Wayne Shorter and Joe Sample, shaping a career defined by versatility and enduring creativity.
Recorded across multiple sessions, studios, and with five different producers, Love Comes First stands out for its ambitious scope. Despite the complexity of its production, the album feels cohesive—anchored by Winkler’s artistic vision and instinct for pairing the right musicians with each song. Rather than following a strict concept, the project grew organically, beginning with selections from the Great American Songbook that ultimately became its emotional foundation.
Winkler’s approach to standards reflects both reverence and reinvention. He offers nuanced interpretations of classics like “Mona Lisa,” famously associated with Nat King Cole, alongside “More Than You Know,” “Embraceable You,” and “Just in Time.” Each arrangement brings a fresh perspective while preserving the timeless qualities of the originals. His rendition of “More Than You Know,” in particular, carries personal significance, inspired by a moment of connection tied to the memory of his late husband.
The album also features standout original material. The opening track, “Snappin’ on the 2 and 4,” sets a playful tone, while the title track—co-written with guitarist Dori Amarilio—captures the album’s central theme of love as a guiding force. Elsewhere, Winkler balances humor and social commentary on “Why Are People So Stupid?” and reflects on his own place in the industry with the tongue-in-cheek “Fame Adjacent.”
Throughout Love Comes First, Winkler’s vocal style remains grounded in intimacy rather than flash. His understated delivery allows the lyrics to take center stage, drawing listeners into stories that feel both personal and universal. Whether interpreting a beloved standard or unveiling a new composition, his performances are marked by sincerity and a deep connection to the material.
A mainstay of the Los Angeles jazz scene for decades, Winkler has built a reputation as both a prolific recording artist and a compelling live performer, regularly selling out venues and appearing at renowned stages such as Blue Note Jazz Club and Birdland. With Love Comes First, he adds another chapter to a career defined not by trends or notoriety, but by consistency, craftsmanship, and a genuine love for the art of song.
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