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DJF
continued its recent tradition of presenting some of Detroit’s
finest musicians at the area’s premier jazz venues in the lead-up
to Labor Day Weekend. The 2008 Pre-Fest Club Series featured:
Christian
McBride and Perry Hughes
July 22, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge
The pre-fest series
kicked off with a special appearance by renowned bassist and 2008 Artist
in Residence Christian McBride. The native Philadelphian had been itchin’ to
meet up with some of Detroit’s finest. And he got his chance
of the summer when he joined 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, made an appearance at the Music Hall
Jazz Café. Bassett, who plays guitar and harmonica, was 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 appeared 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.” Landis appeared 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.
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