“Mark Winkler is a musical marvel and a true original!  At last, a writer who sings and a singer who swings!” 
– Rex Reed

“Winkler is not only a terrific vocalist, but is also one of the most interesting wordsmiths around today.”
– Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

The Rules Don’t Apply

Released January 2024

As a song stylist, Winkler’s range is wide and deep. He can swing like a horn player, touch hearts with a sensitive ballad, and deliver a humorous song with a sly wink. He captures all of these moods on THE RULES DON’T APPLY, his 21st CD. Winkler wrote lyrics for eight of the original songs on the album. He also included five of his favorite tunes written by Paul Simon, Lennon and McCartney, Eddie Arkin and Lorraine Feather, Donald Fagen, and Randy Newman.

A lyricist for the ages…a memorable performance indeed in a most memorable career.
– Richard Salvucci, All About Jazz 
I have great admiration and appreciation for Mark Winkler’s songwriting talents, his thought-provoking lyrics; his heartfelt performances and his passionate love of jazz. He has included eight originals out of twelve songs and each one glitters with their own lyrical brilliance.
– Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
Take one part Mark Murphy, a dash of Tom Waits, add some Bobby Troup, a hint of Michael Franks with a sprinkle of Dan Duryea, and you get the wonderful voice and songs of Mark Winkler. Never miss a chance to see him when he delivers the goods in person. One of the real deals, still sitting at the poker table.
– George Harris, JazzWeekly 
Winkler stretches, singing with a robust and virile confidence. He swings with an easy grace, making the art of jazz sound easy to achieve when it is one of the hardest things.
– C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz 
Winkler comes in with what feels like his most personal album and it hits the nail on the head… The kind of jazz that is welcoming enough to bring new ears into the tent, this will be the kind of set you keep returning to.  Hot stuff.
– Chris Spector, Midwest Record
I, like many others who have been along for the journey through the Wonderful World of Winkler, have lost all objectivity when it comes to evaluating yet another live performance. All I know is every time I’m in that audience of mostly longtime fans and friends, it’s going to be a remarkable, uplifting and soulfully jazzy treat.
–  Jonathan Widran, JW Vibe

Videos from The Rules Don’t Apply

Check out Mark’s article “The Best Jazz Songwriters of Today” that appeared in LA Jazz Scene. —>