
Farnell Newton Marcus Reynolds Quintet
Portland, Oregon based trumpeter Farnell Newton and pianist Marcus Reynolds are beginning to make their mark on contemporary jazz with fresh, original compositions and an updated version of the classic 1960’s Blue Note era sound. 28-year-old Farnell Newton (nephew of famed Cecil Taylor/Albert Ayler drummer Sunny Murray) and 29-year-old Reynolds, a young agile pianist with a rich harmonic sensibility, lead a quintet that presents unique treatments of the standard jazz repertoire along with forays into the Pan-American jazz tradition.
Sense of Direction, their debut release on Dusty York’s Diatic Records label, is a heartfelt celebration of the jazz tradition that embraces influences ranging from bouncy hip-hop beats (The Bluest Eyes) to the beautiful sound of the Brazilian bossa nova (Litoral). The record is a collaboration with rising star New York jazz musicians Jason Brown on drums (Lizz Wright) and Ameen Saleem on bass (Winard Harper). It also features Portland saxophonist Tim Willcox on three tracks.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Marcus Reynolds
Portland, Oregon based pianist and composer Marcus Reynolds has begun to make his mark on contemporary jazz as a solo pianist, leader of his own groups and as co-leader of the Farnell Newton-Marcus Reynolds Quartet. His high energy live performances are notable for his angular, rhythmic playing and dedication to presenting original music and contemporary, unique treatments of the standard jazz repertoire. Influenced by modern pianistic figures such as Herbie Hancock, Bud Powell, and Fred Hersch.
Marcus is also informed as a composer by European 20th Century classical harmony and the Afro-Caribbean rhythmic tradition. Marcus has opened for jazz giants Betty Carter and Mel Torme in festival settings, and has performed with singers ranging from Michigan vocalist Sunny Wilkinson to cabaret artist Lorna Luft. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University where he majored in Classical Piano Perfomance and Jazz Studies (with Dr. Stephen Zegree), and also studied composition with C.Curtis-Smith and Richard Adams. He often performs in duo with his wife (jazz vocalist Jessica Schultz) at such venues as the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon. In addition to performing, Marcus maintains a private piano teaching studio in West Linn, Oregon where he advocates a healthy, tension free approach to playing the instrument.
Farnell Newton
Farnell Newton Composer/Trumpeter was born on March 21, 1977, in Miami, Fl where he was exposed to many forms of music from jazz, salsa, funk, and hip-hop. Moving to Philadelphia he attended the High School of Creative and Performing C.A.P.A. Farnell gained more exposure and experience into the music he truly loves "jazz". While in Philadelphia, Farnell learned a lot from his Uncle saxophonist/arranger Conny Murray and from his Uncle Sunny Murray "the father of avant-garde drumming".
Re-locating to Denver Farnell graduating from Denver School of the Arts in Denver,Farnell moved to Ohio to study at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. At Oberlin, Farnell studied Music Performance with an emphasis in jazz with Wendell Logan and trumpeter Kenny Davis. During his stay at Oberlin, Farnell Performed with many musicians from Aretha Franklin, James Moody, Muhal Richard Abrams, and Hugh Ragin.
Graduating from Oberlin Farnell decided to move to Portland, Oregon. In Portland, Farnell performs regularly with Klezmocracy, Mel Brown, Thara Memory, Cana Son, Conjunto Allegre and Darrell Grant to name a few. Farnell has recently recorded his debut CD which is co-led with pianist Marcus Reynolds.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We are located in Portland Oregon and regular play at The Blue Monk on Belmont www.thebluemonk.com
What equipment do you use?
Monette Trumpet - Steinway Pianos