OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Official page for the Los Angeles big band
Big bands are a symbol of democracy, with freedom of expression and collaboration as the centerpiece, and they must be spearheaded by the fresh faces of jazz today.
- MARLON MARTINEZ
Bassist, Composer and Artistic Director, MJO
ABOUT MJO
Marlonius Jazz Orchestra propels the 20th century big band tradition through 21st century culture. Marlonius Jazz Orchestra highlights current artists in jazz by performing new compositions by Marlon Martinez, and revitalizing the music of jazz legend Billy Strayhorn.
Right from its maiden voyage in 2016, Marlonius Jazz Orchestra has sold out concerts across the Greater Los Angeles Area, featuring guest artists such as Mike Garson, Bernard Fowler, Frieda Lee, Josie James, Olivia Kuper Harris and Barbara Morrison. The big band was the opening act for Stanley Clarke and Hiromi at BroadStage in 2023 for the launch of Clarke's artist residency. Marlonius Jazz Orchestra is becoming an attractive force in the Los Angeles music scene and beyond.
A staple of Marlonius Jazz Orchestra is Martinez’s effort to showcase millennial artists who enhance today's popular music. Each band member has collaborated with a diverse list of artists in jazz, pop, R&B, hip-hop, rock, as well as TV and film. For an in-depth list of artists associated with the band members, click here.
Introducing the music of Billy Strayhorn to newer audiences, Martinez recorded a tribute to Strayhorn at Colburn School for his Amplify Series residency in 2022. In collaboration with Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc, Marlonius Jazz Orchestra performed recently discovered compositions, and unveiled largely forgotten gems by the unsung pioneer and giant of modern jazz. The album, Marlonius | Strayhorn, will be released in 2024, with a single "All Day Long" now available.
THE BAND LEADER
Hailing from Los Angeles, Marlon Martinez is a young virtuoso bassist and composer emerging at the center of the resurgent LA jazz scene. Marlon has demonstrated his virtuosity while touring with a wide range of artists, including Stewart Copeland, Quatuor Ebène, and Mike Garson. Discovered by Stanley Clarke, he has impressed legends such as George Duke, Burt Bacharach, Ellis Marsalis and Ron Carter. Classically trained and a graduate of the Colburn Conservatory of Music, Marlon has performed with Gustavo Dudamel, Valery Gergiev, the San Diego Symphony and more.
Marlon Martinez is a tremendously gifted bassist and composer.
I watched him for many years as a bass player dazzle audiences with his ability to really stretch what you can possibly do with
that instrument.
As a composer, he is really a force of nature, talented way beyond his years. His compositions and orchestrations are in the lineage of
Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Charles Mingus, and Thad Jones.
Not an easy lineage to master, yet somehow it falls real easily
off of Marlon’s pen.
Marlonius Jazz Orchestra has set itself as an emerging force
in the LA jazz scene and beyond.
Marlon and his jazz orchestra are to be celebrated.
Please join me with that.
Marlonius Jazz Orchestra
Marlonius Jazz Orchestra
Marlonius Jazz Orchestra REEL - "Blood Moon"
All Day Long - Billy Strayhorn - Marlonius Jazz Orchestra
"Stupid" - the Mint LA - Marlonius Jazz Orchestra
Why Billy Strayhorn's Arrangements Sound So Unique
I can’t believe our good fortune in getting on the ground floor with you. So proud to see you leading that big band with confidence and aplomb. Every now and then when you take a solo it’s easy to see why all those slick players show up for you. A very rare gift you have.