By TOM BOWSER
The Marquis Hill Blacktet (yes, it's blacktet, not quartet) played in the Yates Gallery of the Chicago Cultural Center surrounded by the art of world-renowned artist Archibald Motley (see the image below). Smaller, more intimate rooms like the Yates Gallery are the perfect place to see jazz. You can clearly see the musicians as they interact to create music that lives in the moment. The room was small enough that little amplification was needed to hear the musicians' instruments. I could hear the complex tone of Marquis Hill's trumpet directly from the bell of his horn.
From my perspective the music of The Marquis Hill Blacktet epitomizes what jazz is all about, created in the moment yet grounded enough to be musical and accessible to its audience. Jazz aficionados will not be disappointed. If you are new to jazz, The Marquis Hill Blacktet is a great place to start your exploration of the universe of jazz music.
This was the first time my wife and I had seen trumpeter Marquis Hill and his band perform. With each song the band got tighter, hotter, the performances more inspired. It was a night of great music we will both remember for many years to come. The Marquis Hill Blacktet will perform at the upcoming Chicago Jazz Festival. I'll see you there!
The Band:
- Christopher McBride - Alto Saxophone
- Justin Thomas - Vibes
- Joshua Ramos - Bass
- Makaya McCraven - Drums
- Marquis Hill - Trumpet - Winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition.