Thomas Marriott Quartet
Trumpeter Thomas Marriott brings his quartet to Black Cat for a four-night residency, offering Bay Area audiences multiple opportunities to experience one of the west coast's most dynamic jazz artists. Described by JazzTimes as "one of the best trumpet players in the world," Marriott has earned his reputation through collaborations with jazz legends like Maynard Ferguson and Roy McCurdy, as well as contemporary masters including Joe Locke and Orrin Evans.
Marriott's musical approach spans hard bop, contemporary jazz, and post-bop, showcasing what critics have called his "chameleon of musical styles." His trumpet work ranges from ultra-refined romantic ballads to scorching, high-energy solos that build from longer tones to rapid-fire runs. Live performances reveal an artist who combines technical brilliance with emotional depth — his muted trumpet work on pieces like "Chick's Lullaby" creates embracing intimacy, while his post-bop explorations unleash what one reviewer called "almost-unhinged" intensity.
The quartet lineup features Byron "Wookie" Landham on drums, Tim Kennedy on piano, and Jeff Johnson on bass. This rhythm section provides the dynamic foundation for Marriott's adventurous musical vision, whether digging into funky grooves or maintaining the locomotive swing that defines his high-energy repertoire.
With 15 albums as a leader — several reaching number one on jazz radio charts — Marriott has consistently demonstrated his commitment to original composition and innovative arrangements. His recent work includes tributes to film and TV themes, showcasing his ability to transform familiar melodies into sophisticated jazz vehicles. As the youngest inductee into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame and founder of Seattle Jazz Fellowship, he was named a "Jazz Hero" by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2024.
Expect a performance that delivers the full spectrum of jazz expression, shifting seamlessly from unbridled energy to tender balladic moments, all anchored by Marriott's distinctive trumpet voice and the quartet's tight musical chemistry.