Take Five with Marquis Hill

Meet Marquis Hill:

At age 26, Marquis Hill is already a well-known name on the Chicago jazz scene. After receiving a Bachelor's degree in Music Education/Jazz Studies, and studying privately at Northern Illinois University, he started performing heavily in Chicago. He has performed with artist such as: Dee Alexander, Tito Carrillo, Bobby Broom, Willie Pickens, Ron Perrillo, Victor Garcia, Benny Golson, Antonio Hart, Rodney Whitaker, Steve Turre, Ernest Dawkins, Maurice Brown, Corey Wilkes, Willerm Delisfort, Brian Lynch and many others. He has toured the U.S and abroad with many different artist and groups; Sirens of Sound, The Delisfort Project, Chicago 12, Bebop Brass, Ronald Carter Big Band, New Horizons.

In 2011 Marquis released his solo debut album, New Gospel, to critical acclaim. The project contained all original music performed by his group the Blacktet. In the spring of 2012, Marquis Hill received his Master's degree in Jazz Pedagogy from DePaul University. Shortly afterward, he recorded and released his sophomore album, Sounds of the City. Hill's third album, The Poet, is scheduled for an October 2013 release.

Currently, Marquis is teaching at The University of Illinois at Chicago while maintaining a busy schedule of performances throughout the country.

Instrument:

Trumpet

Teachers and/or influences?

Ronald Carter, Tito Carrilo, Art Davis, Ernest Dawkins, Diane Ellis.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I heard Lee Morgan's Sidewinder in the 5th grade.

Your sound and approach to music:

I like to play music that make people feel good. Music that touches people in an emotional way that words can't.

Your teaching approach:

Everything you need to know about this music, ("jazz") can be found in the records that the legends recorded throughout history. In order to learn the language, you have to listen and study the language.

Favorite venue:

In terms of clubs, i would have to say the Green Mill in Chicago!

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?

The Poet! This record represents the way I hear music. It represents the way i want people to perceive me and my music. Music that feels good! Music that is deep and melodic!

The first Jazz album I bought was:

Clifford Brown with Strings

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

My personal sound and voice!

Desert Island picks:

Marvin Gaye—Vunerable
Roy Hargrove—Moment to Moment
Nicholas Payton—Payton's Place

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

In need of help. In need of someone to push it forward!

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

Exposing the music to our youth at a early age!

What is in the near future?

I plan to book my band as much as possible. Hopefully tour and spread my music to people all the world.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:

Elementary school music teacher