MCQ Mary Cross Jazz Quartet / Quintet

MCQ:  Mary Cross Jazz Quartet and Mary Cross Jazz Quintet —are  live jazz ensembles founded by vocalist Mary Cross.

• These ensembles perform classic jazz standards, the Great American Songbook, and jazz-influenced arrangements of soulful repertoire.

• MCQ appears regularly at venues and festivals and often holds residencies (including performances at venues like Eddie V’s in multiple cities). Mary Cross

Mission Statement (MCQ & Mary Cross Jazz)

“Using the new to protect the timeless — keeping jazz, classic soul, and R&B alive not just as entertainment, but as a living, breathing legacy.” Mary Cross

This mission reflects that MCQ is about honoring musical history while connecting with modern audiences — preserving jazz and classic music as a living experience rather than just nostalgia.

Her work also embodies values like:
✔ Authenticity over trends
✔ Community over competition
✔ Music that connects across generations and cultures Mary Cross

📜 History & Inception

Mary Cross’s musical journey:

• Mary Cross began singing in church at age 12 and developed her career over decades, blending jazz with soul and classic R&B. Mary Cross

2NspireU and MCQ:

• She founded her band 2NspireU as a larger ensemble, then later created the Mary Cross Jazz Quartet and Quintet (MCQ) to perform more intimate jazz and classic repertoire. Mary Cross

• Over nearly three years, MCQ has held notable jazz residencies and performed regularly in the region and beyond. Mary Cross

Style & Musical Focus

From MCQ and Mary Cross’s broader work you can expect:

Jazz & Classic Sound

• MCQ focuses on jazz standards, sophisticated arrangements, and the Great American Songbook — often featuring rich vocals with elegant instrumental support. Mary Cross

Soulful Interpretation

• Mary Cross’s vocal style — compared to Phyllis Hyman — brings a soulful, emotionally rich interpretation to jazz classics and standards alike. Mary Cross

Live Experience

• Concerts are crafted to be intimate, heartfelt, and connecting — rooted in personal expression and community engagement, not just technical performance. Mary Cross

What to Expect from MCQ in 2026

Live Performances and Growth

• MCQ will continue performing in intimate and prestigious jazz venues, often blending classic jazz with soulful vocals.

• Expect collaborative sets, tributes (like those to jazz and soul legends), and evolving repertoire tied to Mary Cross’s original writing and arrangements. Mary Cross

Upcoming Projects

Mary Cross continues to expand her artistic footprint with several exciting initiatives on the horizon. Following the success of Steppin’ 2Gether, she is developing her first line dance music video, marking a creative expansion into movement-driven music that brings people together across generations.

In addition, Mary is:

• Expanding her discography with original releases and signature tribute projects

• Continuing celebrated tributes honoring legendary vocalists

• Launching a music podcast in 2026 spotlighting independent artists across jazz, soul, blues, and R&B

The podcast will also serve as a platform for collaboration with local communities and organizations that advocate for mental wellness, veterans, seniors, youth in the arts, and at-risk (“soft”) youth, blending music, storytelling, and community impact.

Community & Advocacy Integration

Community engagement is central to Mary Cross’s artistic mission. Through MCQ performances and MuzikWorks Inc., concerts are intentionally designed to support and uplift causes including:

• Mental wellness awareness

• Youth arts education and creative empowerment