Thomas Marriott Performs December 2nd

Trumpeter Thomas Marriott is one of the most exciting musicians to emerge on the national jazz scene in more than a decade. The seven-time Golden Ear award winner is a skilled instrumentalist, composer and producer, always seeking to expand the boundaries of jazz music in all its forms.

After winning the prestigious Carmine Caruso Jazz Trumpet Competition in 1999, Marriott headed east from Seattle to New York where he gained initial acclaim through his work with Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau band. Marriott completed 3 world tours with Ferguson (who called Marriott "a truly great jazz trumpet player"), and then continued to work in New York and on the road with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Joe Locke, The Tito Puente Orchestra, Brian Lynch, The Chico O’Farrill Orchestra, Eric Reed, Les Brown and the Band of Renown, Kenny Kirkland, Charlie Hunter, Ritchie "Alto Madness" Cole, and many others.

Marriott’s diverse interests and skills are reflected in the range and success of his albums. His 2005 release on Origin Records, "Individuation," was named among the top 10 jazz records of 2005 by WBEZ radio, Chicago. 2007’s "Both Sides of the Fence" received over 3300 spins nationally, pushing his album into the top ten on jazz radio. The album "Crazy: The Music of Willie Nelson," was released in early 2008 to wide critical acclaim. Jazz Times Magazine declared Marriott a "first-tier trumpet player" with "serious chops and a luxuriant trumpet sound….This album is a kick in the pants."

"Flexicon," released in April of 2009 on Origin Records, also made it into the top-ten on the national jazz radio airplay charts as did 2010′s "East-West Trumpet Summit," a collaboration with trumpeter Ray Vega. The album made it all the way to number one the charts and was featured on NPR’s "Morning Edition."

Known for his innovative spirit and broad musical scope, Thomas continues to perform on the stages of the world’s greatest jazz clubs and concert halls, as a leader and alongside the top names in jazz. The Seattle native is featured on more than 100 recordings with musicians of all genres and styles. Thomas has produced albums for a number of artists including saxophonist Hadley Caliman and has served on the Board of Governors of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences and the Board of Directors of Earshot Jazz.

Thomas’ latest releases feature two different collaborations with pianist / organist Gary Versace. 2010′s "Constraints and Liberations" received 4.5 stars in Downbeat Magazine while 2011′s release "Human Spirit" has been heralded as his most successful to date by critics and fans alike. This is an all-ages show ‘til 11pm, 21+ after that. Free cover!