Brotherhood by Marcus Strickland

Although every song (with the exception of E.J.'s "the Unsung Hero") is written by Marcus, the compositions are purged of conventional formulas, while maintaining the fabric of his personality. "The most important thing for me when composing is to consider the musicians that will play the music. I think it's important that the rhythm section has an interactive role, rather than providing benign accompaniment throughout the song. I feel that the accompaniment should be just as memorable as the melody." The variety of grooves on Brotherhood set diverse landscapes for improvisation. This latest achievement is the perfect following to Marcus' highly acclaimed debut recording At Last, which had a more swing-oriented feel to it.

The personnel on Brotherhood (which is the same as on At Last) includes Marcus' twin brother E.J. Strickland - who is the continuation of an impressive lineage of modern jazz drummers. Robert Glasper's piano playing adds occasional inflections that are influenced by his R&B upbringing. Anchoring the music of the Marcus Strickland Quartet is bassist Brandon Owens. Trumpeter Jeremy Pelt joins the quartet for two tracks, adding sparks and finesse. Together they supply the one thing that fuels the productivity of genuine concepts in jazz - a group sound.

Marcus met the young aspiring musicians that make up his quartet while he attended the New School Jazz & Contemporary Music program.

"I really think it's a phenomenon what our particular group gets with one another. It takes years to get as cohesive as we have in such a short time. The first time we played with this configuration, we really listened to one another and played as a unit. It is not a matter of ego when we play, it is the music and how we make it sound good." - Marcus Strickland (Excerpt from "A Shining Light in the Big Apple" interview by Suzi Price - JazzReview.com)

Considering the amount of development in Marcus' playing over the past two years, it is evident that he has developed strength through his apprenticeship with the legendary drummer Roy Haynes, and also with the imaginative bassist Lonnie Plaxico.

"Virtually every prolific jazz musician that I listen to, spanning from the 1940's to now, has done at least two recordings with Roy Haynes on it - I can't think of anyone else I can say that about. His vast knowledge and versatility has profoundly aided in my musical growth."

Still in his twenties, Marcus Strickland is a significant contributor to fertile jazz scene of New York City. With a gorgeous tone & unabashed command of both his instrument & linear expression, the sax man demands the listener's attention. Since his appearance in "The City" in 1997, Marcus has shared the stage & recorded with jazz musicians of an elite proportion.

He has gained professional & artistic integrity through experiences with The Carnegie Hall Big Band, The Mingus Band, the Village Vangaurd Band, Tom Harrell Big Band, Milt Jackson Big Band, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra & Reggie Workman's African American Legacy Band.

Marcus currently plays with the Roy Haynes Quartet, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Dave Douglas.

The saxophonist also participates in an innovative jazz education program led and created by Hans Schuman called Jazz Reach - this project incorporates live music, film and narration to educate students of all ages about the history, presence and future of jazz.

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