"Let's hear it for audacity - the ability to fashion an artistic statement that blends uninhibited ideas with pride and self-awareness. Archie Shepp has it, Steve Coleman had it and with his rather commanding fourth disc as a leader, Marcus Strickland shows he has it, too...
The leader is a fierce soloist; in cahoots with his poet Malachi, who declaims convincingly on a handful of tunes, he keeps the performance level at a fever pitch...
[Open Reel Deck] presents his most singular artistic personality so far...
Some experiments sound like an exercise; this one's all about passion."
by Jim Macnie (Downbeat Magazine)It has already been an exciting career for Miami-raised soprano and tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland, who: was named 'Best New Artist' in JazzTimes Magazine's Reader's Poll '06; has two releases on Fresh Sound New Talent Records as a leader ("At Last" and "Brotherhood"); and currently plays with Dave Douglas, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and Will Calhoun. Strickland also recently ended a five year stint with legendary drummer Roy Haynes. Although the aspiring saxophonist has been on two grammy-nominated recordings in a row ("Fountain of Youth" - Roy Haynes & "Keystone" - Dave Douglas), the most intriguing part is that Strickland's career has just begun. This is definitely indicated by his latest venture... Strick Muzik - his own record label, which was launched in 2006 with an adventurous double CD project featuring two bands of his and appropriately titled with a play on words "Twi-Life". "Open Reel Deck" is Marcus Strickland's exciting new release on Strick Muzik - it is a live recording of his acclaimed Twi-Life Group (Lage Lund on guitar, Carlos Henderson on electric bass and E.J. Strickland on drums) that features trumpeter Keyon Harrold, the hip-hop-tinged poetry of Malachi, and one track with pianist Jon Cowherd.Download Press Kit.zip (17.9 MB)[Twi-Life (Strick Muzik) now available at www.CDBaby.com ]
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