Marquis Hill, Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox Review

by Stamish Malcuss

Marquis Hill’s latest release, Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox, blends jazz tradition with today’s music and sounds based in the church. Known for his eclectic and soulful approach to jazz, Hill continues to direct the mixing of genres while honoring jazz’s roots. This album, released on August 30, 2024, by Black Unlimited Music Group, captures Hill’s innovative spirit, bringing together a collection of compositions from his esteemed colleagues, many of them hailing from his hometown of Chicago. At the heart of the project is Hill’s belief that jazz, as an art form, should continue to evolve while maintaining its historical essence.

The ensemble on this project includes Hill’s core quintet—vibraphonist Joel Ross, pianist Michael King, bassist Junius Paul, and drummer Corey Fonville—alongside a star-studded lineup of guests. Pianist Gerald Clayton, guitarist Jeff Parker, and drummer Makaya McCraven are just a few of the musicians who contribute their talents, resulting in an album that spans multiple influences, from straight-ahead jazz to R&B and hip-hop.

Marquis Hill opens Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox with his own composition, “A Star Is Born,” a powerful tribute to the late Wayne Shorter. Shorter’s voice, reflecting on the courage of artistic exploration, introduces the track with the statement, “It takes courage to take that road, it takes courage to go into the unknown alone.” These words set the tone for what follows—a piece that exemplifies Hill’s daring approach to music while honoring jazz tradition.

Musically, “A Star Is Born” is a grooving blend of straight-eight funk and hip-hop influences. Fonville’s dynamic drumming lays down a polyrhythmic groove, complemented by Paul’s grounding bassline. Hill’s trumpet—warm and round in tone—delivers a legato melody as his solo evokes the rich tradition of post-bop while pushing into contemporary realms. His solo builds with melodic intent, speaking directly to the tradition without being confined by it.

Ross (vibes) and King (piano) further elevate the track with harmonic richness and rhythmic depth. Ross, in particular, takes an inventive solo, focusing on motivic development and rhythmic creativity, which interacts effortlessly with King’s harmonic support. The interplay within the ensemble shows keen listening and collaboration, merging different styles into a cohesive whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

By fusing these influences, Hill illustrates his belief in jazz as a continuum, capable of holding space for both reverence and innovation. This track, while deeply rooted in jazz history, speaks boldly to a future where genre lines blur, but the core values of interaction and exploration remain intact—just as Shorter’s quote suggests.

Other highlights include Joel Ross’ vibraphone-driven “I Remembered You,” which brings a hypnotic groove that builds from a ballad mood to a layered counterpoint for the climax. Ross’ use of Stefon Harris’s spoken word in the background adds further input to meditate upon, which ties the album’s modern sensibilities to its jazz lineage.

Throughout Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox, Hill’s trumpet is the cohesive force that binds the various compositions into a singular narrative. Tracks like “The OGs (Organic People)” by Marcus Strickland and “Life Days” (featuring Parker’s soulful guitar work) showcase Hill’s gift in drawing connections between jazz and other music traditions, while remaining firmly rooted in the jazz idiom.

One of the standout pieces is “Libra (South Node),” a collaboration with drummer Makaya McCraven. The track blends Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary jazz, demonstrating how Hill continues to infuse his music with diverse elements while maintaining a distinct, personal sound. “Chef’s Kiss,” featuring Christie Dashiell, is another gem, with its romantic overtones underscored by Fonville’s groovy drum work.

While the compositions and performances are stellar throughout, what makes Composers Collective worthy of your time is Hill’s overarching vision. In creating a project where he celebrates and interprets the works of others, Hill challenges himself to build a cohesive sonic landscape that feels unmistakably his own. This is a collection of songs that form a conversation among musicians who respect each other’s voices and contributions.

In a genre that often emphasizes individual virtuosity, Hill turns the focus toward collective expression, crafting an album that is as much about the flow of ideas as it is about technical mastery. Each track adds something new to the conversation, making Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox a compelling listen for both jazz enthusiasts and those new to the genre.

In short, Marquis Hill has once again shown why he is one of modern jazz’s most daring voices. Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox is a celebration of that voice in a setting of collaboration and creativity; it is also a statement on the continuum of Black music. By weaving jazz’s rich heritage with the sounds of today—whether it be hip-hop’s rhythmic drive, R&B’s soulful expressiveness, or Afrobeat’s percussive pulse—Hill emerges as a bridge-builder between musical eras and genres. His work honors the past while pushing jazz forward, demonstrating its relevance and capacity for transformation. This album is a documentation of Hill’s visionary leadership in ensuring this music remains a vital part of Black musical traditions and modern music.