Thomas Marriott Quartet

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott brings his quartet to Black Cat for a special four-night residency (May 7-10), showcasing the artistry that earned him recognition from JazzTimes as "one of the best trumpet players in the world." The Seattle-based musician has established himself as a west coast jazz force, with 15 albums that have reached number one on jazz radio charts and earned critical acclaim.

Marriott's musical versatility spans hard bop, contemporary jazz, post-bop, modal jazz, and bebop. He's a chameleon who has paid dues alongside jazz elders like Maynard Ferguson and Roy McCurdy while collaborating with contemporary artists including Joe Locke and Orrin Evans. His horn has been featured with diverse groups from the Grammy-winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra to hip-hop pioneer Deltron 3030.

The quartet features pianist Byron Wookie Landham, bassist Jeff Johnson, and drummer Tim Kennedy, delivering what All About Jazz describes as music with "eloquence of sound" and "almost-unhinged post-bop tendencies." Marriott's playing combines technical brilliance with emotional depth — from scorching solos that push boundaries to tender, muted trumpet passages that create intimate moments with audiences.

Marriott is the youngest inductee into the Seattle Jazz Hall of Fame and founder of Seattle Jazz Fellowship, recognized as a "Jazz Hero" by the Jazz Journalists Association in 2024. His recent album Screen Time showcases his fascination with film and television scores, while Live From the Heat Dome captured the raw energy and fellowship that defines his live performances — recorded during Seattle's 2021 heat wave when the studio's air conditioning failed, creating an appropriately incendiary atmosphere for the music within.

Expect an evening of dynamic jazz that moves fluidly between high-energy swing and contemplative balladry, featuring Marriott's signature sound that balances technical mastery with genuine musical storytelling.