Over the
course of eight releases, Chicago trumpeter/composer Marquis Hill has
established a distinct sound, thoroughly his own, fusing elements of jazz, hip
hop, funk, soul, and R&B. The latest culmination of this musical erudition
was the 2019 release Love Tape: a groove-centered studio album culling excerpts
from black women’s interviews (including Eartha Kitt, Phylicia Rashad, and
Abbey Lincoln, among others) with pianist/keyboardist Michael King, bassist
Junius Paul, and drummer Marcus Gilmore laying the foundation.
This Friday,
February 14, Hill will release the follow up – Love Tape: With Voices. With the
theme of self-love amongst ambient layered sounds and a soul jazz vibe, Hill
recruits renowned vocalists to call attention to the ever-present need for
everyone’s journey to self-love. Chris Turner, Phoelix, Alex Isley, Christie
Dashiell, Kate K-S, and Kaycee Shakur all pour their hearts into this ten-track
release.
"The
concept behind Love Tape: With Voices is very similar to an EP I released
called Meditation Tape,” explains Hill. “I produce the original version of both
projects completely instrumental and follow that up with an extended version
that incorporates vocals, spoken word and emcees. The music and melodies I have
been writing and producing lately works well in an instrumental setting but I’m
also at a stage in my career where I'm naturally hearing lyrics and vocals on
top of the melodies I play. My ultimate goal as an instrumentalist is to mimic
the human voice”
Marquis Hill
funnels love and positive energy into this meditative blend of infectious
groove and subdued tone. Love Tape: With Voices focuses on one key aspect of
the many conditions that fall under the umbrella of love.
"Self-love
is one of the main topics discussed throughout the project. Knowing and loving oneself
is the only way to truly love another being. We live in a climate where most of
the music we hear on the radio emphasis's romantic relationships and
over-sexualized themes,” he says. “I wanted to use this project to create
something that deals with something real, the power of self-love."
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