Marquis Hill – Composers Collective & Lukáš Oravec Quintet feat Jure Pukl

Marquis Hill – Composers Collective

He is, in a way, an ambassador of what can be seen as the result of more than a century of African American musical evolution — from its earliest forms to its most contemporary expressions. At the same time, he makes sure his music can speak to the widest possible audience, including listeners far beyond the jazz community. Marquis Hill arrives at JazzFestBrno just four days after his thirty-ninth birthday.

Marquis Hill’s music is sophisticated, deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, yet constantly searching for new connections with hip hop, R&B, and soul. Born in 1987 in Chicago — one of the major musical centers of the world, home to electric blues, a crucial cradle of both classic and modern jazz, and a strong hip-hop and electronic scene — he was surrounded by music from an early age. He first picked up percussion instruments, but in sixth grade, inspired by his older cousin, he switched to trumpet. Falling in love with jazz came soon after. He studied both jazz performance and music education at Northern Illinois University and later at the prestigious DePaul University. During his Chicago years, he became an active part of the local jazz scene, building a reputation as a talented and innovative young player. After finishing his studies, he moved to another major jazz hub — New York City.

Hill’s music is defined by complexity and stylistic fusion. His playing is firmly grounded in jazz tradition, influenced by greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Freddie Hubbard, yet he has crafted his own modern voice. He is a master of deeply soulful tone — in both lyrical passages and fiery improvisations. His compositions incorporate hip-hop rhythms and sampling, giving his music a distinctly contemporary urban character while maintaining strong melodies and refined arrangements.
He debuted in 2011 with the album New Gospel. Two years later, he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, which led to a contract with the renowned label Concord Jazz, where he released the highly praised 2015 album The Way We Play. In the following years, Hill shifted toward a more meditative approach (Meditation Moments, 2017) and continued refining his vision of a unique blend of jazz heritage and modern expression. As a trained jazz educator, he shares these ideas with younger generations — yet never sounds academic, rigid, or didactic in his own music.

Lukáš Oravec Quintet feat Jure Pukl

A special musical project that brings together one of Slovakia’s leading jazz trumpeters and composers, Lukáš Oravec, with internationally acclaimed Slovenian saxophonist Jure Pukl. This ensemble represents a blend of energetic modern jazz, virtuosity, and deep musical dialogue.

Lukáš Oravec is a Slovak trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator, and one of the most prominent figures on the Central European jazz scene. He is known for his drive, penetrating tone, and technical command. He leads several of his own projects and is among the most active jazz musicians in the region. His quintet typically features top Slovak and Czech jazz players capable of interpreting Oravec’s music with both dynamism and sensitivity. He frequently invites international guests to elevate the interpretation of his original compositions to a world-class level. At JazzFestBrno, he has previously performed with outstanding American pianist Aaron Goldberg, and his extensive Central European tours have included collaborations with saxophonists Wayne Escoffery, Jerry Bergonzi, and pianist Danny Grissett.

The international dimension of Oravec’s current project comes from Slovenian saxophonist, composer, and educator Jure Pukl, known for his progressive approach to improvisation, fluid technique, and rich, vibrant tone. Based long-term in New York, he is considered one of the greatest European saxophonists of his generation. His presence brings a strong dose of inspiration and creativity to Oravec’s quintet. The combination of two powerful horn voices — trumpet and saxophone — creates lush harmonies and energetic solo dialogues rooted in hard bop and post-bop, always aligned with the current evolution of contemporary European jazz.