PETER ERSKINE & BOB MINTZER

Speaking about the musical marriage of drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles, journalist Jim Worsley from All About Jazz said, “The trio could be considered the perfect melting pot of creativity, complexity, and rhythm, pollinated with spontaneous interplay and intelligent conversation.”  That’s quite a summary of these top-tier jazzmen who, after playing together for decades, find themselves at the top of their game. Their Live In Italy recording, which garnered a Grammy nomination in 2022, is evidence of their primacy.

What makes the meeting of minds extra special now is the addition of saxophonist Bob Mintzer, acclaimed composer, arranger, and founding member of the Yellowjackets. A long-time associate to all, Mintzer elevates the group’s collective mastery in a new project, The McIntosh Sessions, a direct-to-tape recording representing the partnership between hi-end audio giants McIntosh Laboratory and Sterling Sound. At the heart of this captured performance is a vibrant intimacy that speaks volumes about the singular power of jazz and pure, reproduced sound.

Erskine and company revealed this immediacy in the studio. But, in fact, they bring it to the stage each time they play.

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CLAIRDEE

In a career spanning some four decades, the vivacious Clairdee has performed as an internationally touring artist who’s collaborated with some of America’s most celebrated jazz masters, including Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Cyrus Chestnut, Russell Malone and Ken Peplowski.

Deeply informed by the music’s departed masters, Clairdee puts a personal stamp on whatever she sings, a gift aptly described by the inimitable Nancy Wilson, who declared that “in the tradition of all great vocalists she infuses each song with her own unique style while always remaining true to the song itself.” Equally at home singing various idioms in an array of settings, in addition to leading her own world-class band, Clairdee works with symphony orchestras, big bands, and intimate duos.

Clairdee’s discography as leader includes four highly regarded albums on her Declare Music label. “A Love Letter to Lena,” garnered international press and was acknowledged in three categories in the 2020 Grammy® first round nominations.

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Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Steve Melling was born on July 12, 1959 and brought up in Preston, Lancashire, UK and began classical piano lessons at age 9. Two years later he began teaching himself jazz at around 11 years old. His first introduction to professional jazz musicians was when he asked the members of the Stan Tracey Quartet to autograph one of their vinyl albums at a Preston gig when he was 17. This fortuitous encounter would eventually lead him back to playing with them, Stan, Art Themen, Bryan Spring and Dave Green later in his career and always learn from the experiences.

Steve went on to study at Goldsmiths’ College in London, joined the National Youth Jazz Orchestra around that time and began playing professionally in the late Seventies, touring with Harry Beckett and Elton Dean. In 1986 received the first Pat Smythe Memorial Trust Award.

The Nineties had him playing regularly at Ronnie Scott’s with his trio and recording with Alan Skidmore, Claire Martin and Peter King. Melling recorded his own album Trio Duo Solo for Ronnie Scott’s Jazz House label. He was commissioned by the Appleby Jazz Festival and wrote and directed a set for an 11-piece group. He joined The New Couriers, worked with Georgie Fame and played with the European Jazz Ensemble.

Steve was commissioned by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra to arrange a piece by Stan Tracey for an album to mark their 50th Anniversary and the album was launched at Ronnie Scott’s in early 2016. The same year he moved to Derbyshire and has spent much time composing, working on his own original compositions. He is also teaching and working with local and national jazz musicians.

Pianist and composer Steve Melling remains in demand in Britain and Europe.

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TONY HIGHTOWER & EDWIN WILLIAMS

Jazz, Cool, Smooth & Soulful special guest singer/actor Tony Hightower celebrates with a special tribute to bassists Stanley Clarke, Jaco Pastorious & Ron Carter featuring bassist Edwin Williams along with a special appearance from vocalists Terry Dukes, Akua Taylor and  Kaitlyn Washington.

Lawn Seating $30 / At Gate $35
Table Seating (Seats 10) $400 (Table seating not sold at the gate on event day)

Rain or Shine Event. No Refunds
Bring your chairs or blankets
Food, beverages and small tables are allowed
No grills or large tables
Online Ticket Sales End Day Before Show.
Only credit/debit cards accepted at the Gate. NO CASH
Gates open at 6:30p

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The Jazz Voyager

Leaving the Nutmeg State for the Great Lake State for a little jazz in The Hill neighborhood of Grosse Pointe Farms. This week’s destination is the Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe serving upscale eclectic cuisine in an intimate space with dark-wood decor & leather seats.

The Jazz Voyager gets to witness another new band as Signal Quartet takes the stage this evening incorporating the freewheeling adventurousness of the avant garde and the improvisation of post-bop. The foursome reaches young and old purists, radicals, aficionados and neophytes alike.

The venue is located at 97 Kercheval Avenue, Michigan 48236. For more information visit https://dirtydogjazz.com.

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