CONSCIOUSLY CHALLENGING THE NORM

A bold performer, soulful composer and passionate educator, Trumpeter Marques Carrol is dedicated to preserving the authentic culture of Jazz and spreading his holistic love of music around the world.

Marques Carroll has been drawing national attention since 1996, having worked and shared the stage with today’s most celebrated artists and ensembles including Carmen Bradford, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Etienne Charles, Christian McBride, Jon Faddis, Meshell Ndegeocello, Randy Weston, Jimmy Heath, Jeff Hamilton, Randy Brecker, Nicholas Payton, Tom Harrell, Bob Brookmeyer, Bobby Watson, the Count Basie Orchestra, The Temptations, Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The O’Jays, The Four Tops, May Wilson and Aretha Franklin.

Born into a musical family in St. Louis, Marques fell in love with the trumpet when he was only 8 years old. His grandfather worked with Jazz legend Clark Terry, who became an influence on Marques and his musical growth. Marques also developed a lifelong friendship with Wynton Marsalis who has become one of his greatest supporters. Absorbing the blues of Louis Armstrong and the laid back sounds of Miles Davis, while also studying the music of Haydyn, Hindemith, Bach and Beethoven, Marques boasts a versatile upbringing in the brass performance and pedagogical tradition. Marques studied at DePaul University where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Jazz Studies Performance. 

A storyteller at heart, Marques uses his experience and mastery of multi-genre vocabulary to break down barriers between genres writing evocative music that speaks directly to the soul. Rooted in the tradition of Black American Music (BAM), Marques is consciously and decorously challenging norms of genres such as Blues, Funk, Soul, Neo-Soul, and Hip-Hop, expanding and pushing into new places of expression and mastery. 

Marques Carroll captures and shares this journey with his audiences through his own compositions, The Ancestors’ Call and most recently released album, Foundations. The Ancestors’ Call, a GRAMMY© considered album for 2021’s Best Jazz Album, with title tracks such as “The Ancestors’ Call Upon Us”, “Generational Response” and Beyond The Battle“, is a soulful exploration of culture and consciousness that reflects upon the African Diaspora through a balance and attention to detail encouraging its audience to feel, reflect, and celebrate.

“Within the musical canon of the genre traditionally known as “jazz”, Chicago’s legacy as birthplace or training ground for some of the genre’s most innovative and technically adept trumpeters is solidified by musicians such as Ray Nance, Louis Armstrong, Lester Bowie, Marquis Hill, and Corey Wilkes. With his stellar debut quintet album, The Ancestors’ Call, Chicago-based trumpeter and composer, Marques Carroll, rightly adds his name to this list.” 

- Black Grooves (Nia I’man Smith)

Marques’ sequel to the Ancestors’ Call, Foundations, is a tribute album that pays respect to his mentors and supporters from all walks of life including artists, teachers, family and friends. Foundations features two tracks, Larry Sings and Brother Payton (BAM), that are highlighted in the Chicago filmed TV show, The Bear FX (season one, episodes 4 & 8).  

Marques is also an Emmy recipient for his contributions on Invisible History: Middle Florida’s Hidden Roots-2021; a documentary musically scored by good friend and bassist Jahmal Nichols that sheds light on African heritage in the state of Florida. 

Marques is co-founder of JMarq Records and is the leader of his self-titled quintet featured in both of his albums, The Ancestor’s Call and Foundations released by JMarq Records. He also leads the Trumpet Summit which boasts brass powerhouses of Chicago. The Trumpet Summit has a live record released by JMarq Records titled “In Stride We Keep Steppin” recorded live in Chicago’s Andy’s Jazz Club. Marques is also a permanent sub-member of the Count Basie Orchestra after 2+ years of membership in the prestigious ensemble. Additionally, Marques co-leads the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective (CSJC) which has three studio albums released by JMarq Records. 

In addition to his prolific performing career Marques is an accomplished and sought-after educator. Since 2007, Marques has been the Musical Director for Chicago Jesuit Academy. Marques currently holds the position of Jazz Trumpet Professor at the University in Chicago and regularly holds clinics and master classes nationally. 

Marques is also the author of his own method books titled Holistic Trumpet. Holistic Trumpet is a three volume book series that presents brass pedagogy, theory and daily practice routines for anyone interested in leveling up their playing. From stages to studios, to classrooms, Marques produces his art with a mission of preservation, innovation and unity that is reflected in his performances, compositions and educational approach. 

Have questions? Contact Marques HERE