"Marcus Strickland has started to turn heads in the most thriving but most competitive jazz scene on the planet ...his tone: liquid and luminous, yet forceful and exact." -Thomas Conrad (JazzTimes Magazine)
Marcus Strickland's third release on Strick Muzik Idiosyncrasies finds the world-renowned saxophonist in the setting of his exhilarating trio (with bassist Ben Williams and drummer E.J. Strickland). From the start of the record it is truly apparent that you will not be able to sit still with the poppin' groove of Strickland's opening original "Cuspy's Delight", written for the drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. The catchy melody soaring above the rhythmic playground of bass and drums immediately dives into Strickland's sax solo, which will make you consider whether the horn is a percussion or woodwind instrument. Then just when an idea of the album's direction starts to formulate Strickland's second original "Rebirth", a song about the healing powers of love, tantalizes the listener's chakras with his sax whispering the chant-like melody through the interweaving bass harmony. "Idiosyncrasies" takes you on an acoustic journey that is rare to find these days.
The album's title refers to what Strickland has developed through his horn and music, a sound so strong and distinct that in addition to his own intriguing compositions he, on other half of the record, is able to put his own stamp on cross-genre gems from Bjork, Andre 3000, Jose Gonzalez, Stevie Wonder, Jaco Pastorius and Oumou Sangare - this all done without the commonly expected use of substitute harmony. The many textures of horn, bass and drums are fully utilized on this album to create hip-shakin' African grooves, Electronica inflections, funky odd-metered bass figures and high-octane swing - Idiosyncrasies is a true testament to Strickland's eclectic musical upbringing, as well as his refusal to fit in a box.
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Marcus Strickland (born 1979) is a jazz tenor and soprano saxophonist originally from Miami, Florida who currently lives in New York.He considers his father an early inspiration as he had been a drummer in jazz and rhythm and blues, but at present he works as a lawyer. Marcus's identical twin brother E. J. Strickland became a drummer, like their father, and is currently a member of Marcus's quartet. Although Marcus works with Jeff "Tain" Watts, Dave Douglas and Will Calhoun, he is perhaps best known, however, for his quartet.
Marcus Strickland, who was named 'Rising Star, Soprano Saxophone' in Downbeat Magazine's Critic's Poll '08 and 'Best New Artist' in JazzTimes Magazine's Reader's Poll '06; has two releases on Fresh Sound New Talent Records as a leader ("At Last" and "Brotherhood"); and currently plays with Dave Douglas, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Will Calhoun. Strickland also recently ended a five-year stint with legendary drummer Roy Haynes.
The aspiring saxophonist has been on two Grammy-nominated recordings ("Fountain of Youth" - Roy Haynes & "Keystone" - Dave Douglas). His own record label, Strick Muzik, was launched in 2006 with an adventurous double CD project featuring two bands of his, and appropriately titled with a play on words "Twi-Life".
In 2007, the highly acclaimed Twi-Life Group released a live album entitled "Open Reel Deck" off Strick Muzik. The album features Lage Lund on guitar, Carlos Henderson on electric bass and E.J. Strickland on drums as well as trumpeter Keyon Harrold, the hip-hop-tinged poetry of Malachi, and one track with pianist Jon Cowherd. Throughout the electrically charged atmosphere of "Open Reel Deck" the Twi-Life Group displays the curious side of Marcus' compositional skills through funk, hip-hop, afro-beat, rock, ska and jungle grooves, while also showcasing the versatility of his twin brother E.J. on the drums.
Strickland has gained professional & artistic integrity through experiences with Roy Haynes, Mos Def, Dave Douglas, Nicholas Payton, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, Christian McBride, Charles Tolliver Big Band, Tom Harrell, Will Calhoun, Lonnie Plaxico, The Carnegie Hall Big Band, The Mingus Band, the Village Vanguard Band, Milt Jackson Big Band, and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, just to name a few.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:
"...on his way to becoming one of the finest jazz musicians of his time."
- JazzReview.com
"Strickland's own approach to music goes far beyond merely staying current - he is an innovator. One of his more recent projects, the Twi-Life Ensemble, is an extension of that innovation."
- JazzReview.com
"Strickland cut 'Open Reel Deck' live, and his group's bandstand vigor splashes throughout. The leader is a fierce soloist …keeps the performance level at a fever pitch."
- Downbeat Magazine
"Marcus Strickland has started to turn heads in the most thriving but most competitive jazz scene on the planet ...his tone: liquid and luminous, yet forceful and exact."
- JazzTimes Magazine
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