Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sutton Marley is a drummer now based in Seattle, WA with over 15 years of professional experience playing drums in a variety of musical settings. After developing a passion for jazz music in high school, Sutton went on to attend the University of North Texas as a Jazz Performance major and had the great fortune to study with master drummer & teacher, Ed Soph.

Upon returning to the Bay Area, Sutton spent many years performing as a sideman; playing in jazz, big band, and R&B settings at venues such as Black Cat, Yoshi’s, Club Deluxe, Cafe Stritch, and multiple appearances at the San Jose Jazz Festival. In 2021, Sutton released his first album as a band leader, Intention, on all major streaming platforms, which features the wonderful musicianship of Smith Dobson, Adam Shulman, and Jack Tone Riordan. In addition to performing, Sutton has taught privately with students of all ages and levels of experience, as well as taught small group/ensemble classes at the San Jose Jazz Summer Camp.

As a teacher, Sutton has a passion for working collaboratively with students on a personalized method of study that helps fuel their creative spark, develop their musicianship, and spread a love and appreciation for jazz music.