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Ryan Marquez

Missourian Ryan Marquez’s music has been called many things but “accessibly out there” might be the keyboardist, producer, songwriter, arranger, and vocalist’s favorite description of his unique sound that is baptized in Blues, indoctrinated by Jazz and raised in Hip-Hop culture. “Passionate in everything he does” (WSIE 88.7, “The Sound''), he “truly embodies the creative collaboration...essential to moving St. Louis forward full steam ahead.” (Regional Arts Commission of STL) His music represents a diverse ecosystem of “feel good vibes” that he channels by infusing tasteful jazz piano chops, a Pop songwriter/arranger sensibility, with vocal flavors from Progressive R & B/Hip-Hop. His recording and performance credits include Grammy recognized artists such as Terence Blanchard, Kirk Whalum, Fred Wesley, Chance The Rapper, Ernie Isley & more. His music has been featured on NPR, The CW, ESPN & FOX networks.

Ryan's jazz trio and bands Fresh Heir (Pop/Soul), The Belief Cycle (Pop/Dance) & The People’s Key (Jazz/Funk) have been staples in the Midwest for nearly 2 decades with an extensive discography & accolades each respectively.

Born in Kansas City (MO), he now resides in St. Louis (MO) where he recently completed an Artist in Residency program with The Kranzberg Arts Foundation (‘20-’21). His work has been supported by The Regional Arts Commission of STL and Fresh Heir & The People’s Key are members of the MO Arts Council Artist Roster. Off the stage he works regularly in the STL community with organizations centered in arts, including Jazz St. Louis, where he performs and informs at elementary schools under direction of the Jazz at Lincoln Center program.

Currently, Ryan is campaigning his new jazz/pop release “Saint Unity'', a spirited record that incorporates the larger narrative of the current artistic renaissance and cultural climate present in St. Louis. Produced by the legendary engineer Carl Nappa (The Hit Factory) and Lenny Mink for Lotown Records, the album features 20 STL vocalists and musicians powering Ryan’s originals and jazz interpretations of hits from the world of rock - including songs from No Doubt, Smashing Pumpkins, 311, The Beatles and more. No matter the outfit, the 2 time NFL halftime performer sits squarely in the center of the upswing of creative energy radiating from the vibrant music epicenter that is Missouri. www.ryanmarquez.com www.saintunitymusic.com Instagram/Twitter: @consciouskeys

Awards

Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residence ('19-'21) Regional Arts Commission Artist Support Grant Recipient ('18, '20) Ryan's band Fresh Heir won best Jam Band 2 years in a row. ('09-'10) in The Riverfront times Best of St. Louis Louis Armstrong Award Recipient (2005)

Janet Evra: Meet Me in Paris

Read "Meet Me in Paris" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
December 16, 2023

One can, it is said, always find new wine in old bottles, assuming you have a good grapes to harvest and a knowledgeable vintner. Janet Evra, of British birth but now based in jny:St Louis Missouri, is one such maker of good wine. The materials are, for the most part, familiar, but the genre is French as are many of the names associated with the tunes. Meet Me In Paris is indeed a pleasant treat. If your taste runs to ...

“...passionate in everything he does. You can feel, see, and hear it in his new project, Saint Unity. Look at the list of featured artists and you only begin to see the scope of what he’s doing. The guy’s on fire! Jason Church, WSIE 88.7 “The Sound”

“Ryan’s a long-time friend...His “Saint Unity” project truly embodies the creative collaboration that we believe is essential to moving St. Louis forward full steam ahead.” Regional Arts Commission, STL, MO

“Perfectly suited to fit right into your playlist for an evening of relaxing self-indulgence. ...sets the mood for the climax of such an evening...builds from gentle beginnings to a crescendo of emotion with virtuoso performances.

Primary Instrument

Piano and vocals

Location

St. Louis

Clinic/Workshop Information

Lecturer on behalf of the Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts. I give 1 hour lectures on the music business topics like contracts, negotiation, publishing, copyright, taxes and more. Jazz Education programs on the history of jazz music. Have worked with Jazz St. Louis on behalf of Jazz at Lincoln Center to perform an interactive 1 hour informative program that teaches elementary schools the "main ingredients of jazz".