Marcus Strickland

Marcus Strickland (born February 24, 1979) is an American jazz soprano, alto, and tenor saxophonist.

He was born in Gainesville, Florida, and grew up in Miami.

He placed third in the 2002 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.

His band and concept project, Twi-Life deals with the connection and intersection between jazz and Soul & Hip Hop as inspired by the J Dilla aesthetic of intricacy, “drunk drumming” and tonal nuance.

Strickland becomes beat maker, composer as well as saxophonist on these projects.

JazzTimes magazine's Reader's Poll named him 'Best New Artist' in 2006.

Down Beat magazine's Critics' Poll named him 'Rising Star on Tenor Saxophone' in 2010 and 'Rising Star on Soprano Saxophone' in 2008.

The saxophonist has nine releases as a leader: People of the Sun (2018), Nihil Novi (2016) on Blue Note Records; Triumph of the Heavy, Vol 1 & 2 (2011), Idiosyncrasies (2009), Open Reel Deck (2007), & Twi-Life (2006) on his own music label Strick Muzik (launched in 2006); Of Song (2009)on Criss Cross Records; Brotherhood (2002) & At Last (2001) on Fresh Sound Records.

In addition to his own Twi-Life, trio and quartet, Strickland has played with Christian McBride, Dave Douglas, Jeff 'Tain' Watts, and also had a five-year stint with the drummer Roy Haynes.

Strickland has been on two Grammy-nominated recordings (including Fountain of Youth - Roy Haynes & Keystone).

He considers his father an early inspiration, as he had been a drummer in jazz and rhythm and blues but is now a lawyer.

Marcus' twin brother E.J. Strickland is a drummer, and is a member of Marcus' quartet and leads his own quintet as well.

With Bilal

With Dave Douglas

With Roy Haynes

With Mike Moreno

With Lonnie Plaxico

With E. J. Strickland

With Bart Tarenskeen

With Charles Tolliver

With Christian McBride

With Jeff "Tain" Watts

With Chris "Daddy" Dave

With Ben Williams

With José James

With Robert Glasper