Bio
Piano/Keys/Producer/Songwriter/Vocals
Jazz /Pop/Hip-Hop Artist
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, Kingfish, Ernie Isley & more. His music has been featured on VH1, BET, MTV, 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 two 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 while bands 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 Volunteer Lawyers & Accountants for the Arts, Jazz St. Louis and HEAL Center For The Arts.
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.