DJF continues its recent
tradition of presenting some of Detroit’s
finest musicians at the area’s premier jazz venues. The 2008 pre-fest
series features:
Christian McBride and Perry Hughes July 22, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
The pre-fest series kicks off with a special appearance by renowned bassist
and 2008 Artist in Residence Christian McBride. The native Philadelphian
has been itchin’ to meet up with some of Detroit’s finest. And
he gets his first chance of the summer when he joins guitarist Perry Hughes
and other Detroit favorites.
Johnnie Bassett
and the Blues Insurgents
August 1, Music Hall Jazz Cafe Detroit’s “Gentleman of Blues,” Mr. Johnnie Bassett,
makes an appearance at the Music Hall Jazz Café. Bassett, who
plays guitar and harmonica, will be joined by the Blues Insurgents. Since
its inception in 1992, Johnnie Bassett and the Blues Insurgents have recorded
four albums and toured throughout Europe and North America. The group
has also been nominated for several W.C. Handy Awards, won multiple Detroit
Music Awards, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Detroit
Blues Society.
GEQ August 8, Bert’s Marketplace “One of the Detroit area's hottest bands for the last two years has
been GEQ . . . The band specializes in the jazz classics, be-bop, and post-bop.
They have a dynamic style and lots of energy” (Linda Yohn, Musical
Director for WEMU, 89.1). GEQ features Guyman Ensley on trumpet, with Phil
Lesky on keyboards, Bang Glenn (drums), Josh Linkner (guitar), Jeff Ponders II
(saxophone), and Ibrahim Jones (bass).
Steve Nardella August 15, Memphis Smoke
Steve Nardella is a “strong, American roots-music performer, equally
adept at rockabilly and low-down blues” (All Music Guide). Be
sure to check out this Detroit guitarist (by way of Providence, RI) at Memphis
Smoke and on his latest release, Daddy Rollin’ Stone.
Randy
Napoleon Sextet August
22, Cliff Bell’s
"[Randy Napoleon] displays an even balance of swing, soul, and single-line
or chord elements that mark an emerging voice dedicated to tradition and
universally accessible jazz values” (Music Critic Michael G. Nastos).
The much-sought after guitarist can be heard on his latest release, Between
Friends. He’ll be appearing at Cliff Bell’s with Vincent
Chandler on trombone, Justin Walter on trumpet, Ben Janssen on sax, Duncan McMillan
on organ, and Sean Dobbins on drums.
Sheila Landis August 22, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe JazzTimes applauded this Detroit-born vocalist
for her “entrepreneurial
energy and ingenuity – the ability to build marvelous musical sculptures
using whatever materials are at hand.” She’ll be appearing at
the Dirty Dog with Rick Matle on guitar, Bob Harsen on drums, and keyboardist
Chris Codish. Landis can also be heard on the more than 20 self-produced
albums that include the Brazilian influenced recordings Where Jazz Lives and Colors
of Brazil.
Johnnie Bassett
and the Blues Insurgents
GEQ
Randy
Napoleon Sextet
