“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
"…Marques Carroll presents listeners with a deep, spiritual exploration of the African diaspora…”
JAZZIZ
Respect tradition, preserve the culture, and push forward.
~ Marques Carroll
A bold performer, soulful composer and passionate educator, trumpeter Marques Carroll is dedicated to preserving the authentic culture of Jazz and spreading his holistic love of music around the world.
Marques Carroll captures and shares this journey with his audiences through his debut album, The Ancestors’ Call and his follow up 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. Foundations is a tribute album that pays respect to his supporters which include 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 a co-founder of JMarq Records, and co-leads the Chicago Soul Jazz Collective. Additionally, Marques leads the Trumpet Summit which boasts brass powerhouses of Chicago. Marques is also a permanent sub-member of the Count Basie Orchestra after 2 years of membership in the prestigious ensemble.
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 today’s trumpet player.
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.
