MIJF: Marquis Hill (USA)

From his beginnings as one of Chicago’s most thrilling young trumpeters—winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk award in 2014—to his current status as an internationally renowned musician, composer and bandleader, Marquis Hill has worked tirelessly to break down the barriers that divide musical genres.

Contemporary and classic jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, neo-soul—to Hill, they’re all essential elements of the profound African-American creative heritage he’s a part of. “It all comes from the same tree,” he says. “They simply blossomed from different branches.”

That mission to bring styles together, complemented by Hill’s absolute mastery of his instrument, is a throughline connecting his many achievements and has cemented his place as a major player on the global jazz scene.

Offering audiences a true masterclass in modern jazz—and accompanied by a stellar ensemble including Makaya McCraven on drums—don’t miss Marquis Hill’s first appearance at MIJF in a series of intimate club shows at The JazzLab.

Marquis Hill – trumpet
Brett Williams – piano
Junius Paul – bass
Makaya McCraven – drums