Thomas Marriott’s high-energy quartet Flexicon is dedicated to stretching and twisting the established language of jazz. Flexicon’s unified yet eclectic mix further solidifies Marriott’s standing as one of the finer voices in jazz today both as a trumpeter and composer. Marriott visits jazz classics and pop tunes, as well as an impressive collection of thoughtful originals.
The 2009 release on Origin Records spent 23 weeks on the jazz radio airplay chart JazzWeek, reaching as high as number 7 in it’s first few weeks. The album was also profiled in the New York Times.
Winner of the 2010 Earshot Golden Ear Award for Best Acoustic Jazz Group, Flexicon can be heard every Friday evening at Seattle’s New Orleans Creole Restaurant.
DISCOGRAPHY:
PERSONNEL:
Thomas Marriott – trumpet
Rick Mandyck – piano
Phil Sparks – bass
Matt Jorgensen – drums
PRESS AND REVIEWS:
“One of the best jazz CDs of 2009″
THE SEATTLE TIMES
“If Seattle, Washington-based Origin Records can be said to have a signature sound, trumpeter Thomas Marriott’s Flexicon could be picked as an example.”
ALL ABOUT JAZZ
“This is a perfect example of what I call “thinking” jazz: The arrangements are excellent, and the ensemble and solo passages keep your attention focused. you can listen to this group again and again, and be rewarded anew each time. I’d love to hear them in person.”
Ric Bang, THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
“The nine-track set bursts open with a highly heated rendition of Freddie Hubbard’s “Take It to the Ozone.” Marriott’s initial trumpet solo shows a tonal perfection and authority evocative of Roy Hargrove or Lee Morgan. Joe Locke quickly adds a spirited and fast-paced vibes solo that matches Marriott in speed and clarity.”
Don Simpson, AUDOPHILE AUDITION
