Trumpeter Marquis Hill give ample justification for being selected as the winner of the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition as he presented music from his latest album The Way We Play in front of a packed crowd at the Blue Whale.
The most difficult thing for any upcoming artist is to maintain a balance of respect to the jazz tradition while still pointing towards the future in order to attract the present generation. Hill has succeeded in that, as his mix of his own originals with jazz standards is a perfect amalgam of the best of both hip hop and hip bop.
With the fluid rhythmic support of Ben Shepherd/b, Justin Thomas/vibe and Makaya McCraven/dr, Hill and alto saxist Josh Johnson created warm and breathy lines on pieces like the sleek “Vella” and soulful “Moon Rays” . Hill has a tone so creamy that it would make Art Farmer jealous as his sweet as apple cider solo glanced off of McCraven’s patented double high hat. Johnson’s velvety alto bounced with delight as a fire of dry ice blew out of Hill’s horn over the snappy undercurrent of the restless “Minority.” Thomas’ impressionistic and glistening vibes then lead into a statement from the horns on a laid back “Maiden Voyage” that floated like a morning mist as Shepherd’s reflective bass and McCraven’s palm work on the drums created a dreamlike atmosphere.
Hill’s unaccompanied and off mic read of “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” was as bel canto as any Puccini aria, with each note hanging like a blown soap bubble. In contrast, he used his solo on “Rose” as a Latin percussion instrument, mixing melody and rhythm as he straddled over the vibes and drums. Closing with the R&B ish “When We Were Kings,” the front line produced a melody that was so lyrical that it begged for…lyrics!
In a day when trends come and go, Hill and company showed that when it comes to music, tone and style keep music timeless.
Upcoming shows at the Blue Whale include Ben Williams July 15, Dayna Stephens July 22-23 and Walter Smith III July 29