Hill, Marquis - The Way We Play CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-CJ 888072392069
Marquis Hill - trumpet
Christopher McBride - sax
Justin Thomas - vibes
Joshua Ramos - bass
Makaya McCraven - drums
“Prior to winning the Thelonious Monk Institute's International Jazz Competition in 2014, trumpeter Marquis Hill was already a formidable presence on the Chicago jazz scene. An adroit improviser and educator, Hill had taken home several accolades, including his first place win in the 2013 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition. His Monk Institute performance merely cemented the notion that Hill was a jazz artist who'd arrived. As part of his prize for winning the Monk contest, he earned a record deal with the Concord label, and 2016's The Way We Play is the result.
While the album is certainly a showcase for Hill's fluid talents as an improvisor, it also works to showcase his skills as a bandleader. As with his 2014 effort, Modern Flows EP, Vol. 1, The Way We Play finds Hill leading his Blacktet, a group of longtime collaborators. Thoughtfully organic and rife with a groove-oriented, hip-hop-informed style, the Blacktet is at once contemporary and steeped in modern jazz tradition. Essentially, Hill balances both of these strengths on The Way We Play, largely touching upon songs from the jazz canon re-arranged in his own fluid, soulfully articulated style.
Ultimately, The Way We Play illustrates Hill's award-winning sound, a sound that should appeal broadly to listeners hungry for a stylish, subtly forward-thinking approach to post-bop jazz, and to those who simply enjoy a warmly delivered standard.” - AllMusic
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- UPC888072392069