Spurred by the feelings of thankfulness and appreciation for mentors and the people who surround him, Chicago trumpeter and composer Marcus Rutz compiled a two-volume collection of original music and arrangements filled with intrigue, beauty and excitement. With tributes to his mother, "The Compass," bassist Richard Davis, "The Musicianer," or pianist Ellis Marsalis, "Syndrome," Rutz navigates diverse ensemble and stylistic directions with an array of superb musical partners, including saxophonist Brice Winston, NY bassist Marcos Varela & drummer Xavier Breaker, guitarist Matt Gold and pianist Adrian Ruiz, among others. The title, "Blueprints - Figure 1: Frameworks," provides the metaphor while the music reveals the heart of an artist venerating his influences.

".a tuneful, rhythmically sly twist on mainstream jazz...Rutz has a big, dark tone and a fluid ease to his phrasing that makes him seem relaxed even when unleashing a volley of 16th notes... " DOWNBEAT