Thomas Marriott: Live From the Heat Dome

A "heat dome" is created when an area of high pressure hovers over an area for days or weeks, trapping warm air underneath. The meteorological phenomena is much like a lid on a boiling pot. In late June of 2021, residents of the Pacific Northwest became plainly aware of what a heat dome is by experiencing three days of severe heat topping 108 degrees, in an area more accustomed to temperatures in the low to mid seventies. The three days of the "heat dome" directly preceded the Covid-19 Delta variant plunging the region into another period of social isolation.

Those three days also directly corresponded to the dates trumpeter Thomas Marriott had set to record with pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Ted Poor in Seattle. For Marriott, it was so much more than making what would be his fourteenth album—it was equally about the desire to connect with like minded people that he loved, respected and missed. "I hadn't played music on a deep level for a year because of the pandemic," recalls Marriott. The entire world had come to a screeching halt in March of 2020, with the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic. It removed along with the actual music, the fellowship it provides, and the spiritual connection integral to the experience of playing and listening to music.

The morning of the session, Marriott discovered that the Air Conditioning unit at the studio was down. The forecast was for temperatures once again over 100 degrees. Marriott and the engineer had to think quickly, and shifted the session last-minute to Hall Of Justice studios across town. With the move, the ability to control what happens after the fact was lost—HOJ has no isolation booths, perhaps a blessing in disguise. Ironically, after a year and a half of social isolation, the heat dome session would not include anything of the sort. In a sign of the times, the music would be performed live, without a live audience, in complete takes, with no headphones or isolation.

In the end, the playing was as incendiary as the scorching, record temperatures outside the studio. Music was made, inspired by friendship and fellowship, elevated by spiritual aspirations, and sustained by the hope that we will gather again soon in love and music.

Liner Notes copyright © 2023 Paul Rauch.

Live From the Heat Dome can be purchased here.

Contact Paul Rauch at All About Jazz.
I am a writer, producer and coordinator in the jazz community, living in Seattle.

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