Cliff Bell's

Corey Kendrick Trio
2018-07-29 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)
Corey Kendrick is a pianist, composer, recording artist, and educator living in Detroit. Praised by Downbeat Magazine as a “very accomplished, highly gifted jazz pianist” with “a patient, maturing voice,” Kendrick has a skillful touch that is both immediately recognizable and deeply expressive.
Kendrick has toured internationally with Etienne Charles’ Creole Soul, regionally with the Rodney Whitaker Quintet, and throughout the Midwest as a leader.

Tristan Cappel Unit
2018-08-02 20:00
Tristan is a multi-instrumentalist and composer who has performed domestically and internationally in a wide range of musical idioms. He has shared the stage with Robin Eubanks & Gary Burton and studied under Andrew Bishop, Lee Konitz, Benny Green, & Miles Okazaki. He released his debut album DeadBird in 2017 and is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
The line up is:
Tristan Cappel
Vincent Chandler
Max Bowen
Aidan Cafferty
Everett Reid

Closed for private event
2018-08-03 18:00 - 21:00
Cliff Bell’s will be open at 9pm to the public

Adam Smale Trio
2018-08-04 21:30
“Standing strong in the field of “Jazz”… Adam Smale is one of the serious devotees… an exciting new voice on the scene …take notice!” – Pat Martino
Guitarist/composer Adam Smale tells stories with his music. His “pen” is a personally designed 7-string guitar, wielded with both virtuosity and creativity. His tales are woven from his rich imagination stoked by a wide variety of musical influences and his latest CD, Out of the Blue, fully attests to his compelling artistry.
Raised in a small working class community in Northern Ontario, Adam’s musical ever probing roots first began in Country and Bluegrass. Too small at the tender age of seven to handle the 5-string banjo, he took up the guitar and a lifelong bond grew and a personal commitment to the instrument cemented. By the age of 12, he was performing professionally with local groups and by 14, he was on his way to becoming a seasoned professional, performing in clubs, bars, community events, weddings and private parties, laying important groundwork for the budding guitarist.
During these formative years, Adam branched out to a variety of musical influences. But it wasn’t until his years at Humber College that he discovered jazz, and his path took a profound turn. “Jazz felt completely natural. I was always improvising, even when I was first playing in bands. Being somewhat naive, I thought everyone improvised all the time.” Rather than abandoning his origins—or his earlier influences like Chet Atkins, Albert Lee, Eddie Van Halen, Flatt & Scruggs—Adam began to forge a new direction for himself in the classic tradition of true jazz expression. Charlie Parker, Ed Bickert, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, and pianist Bill Evans, became important influences. More seeds were planted, cultivated, and a new world of possibilities was brought to light.
From Country to Pop Rock, from Jazz to World, Adam eventually performed all over the globe, including South America, India and the Middle East, as well as numerous cross-Canadian tours gaining even more experience. With Toronto as his home base, he performed consistently with his own trios and quartets and was a regular presence at the acclaimed Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. Adam’s debut CD, Fun City was released in Canada in 2000 to extensive radio play and critical acclaim and was also featured at the prestigious Grand Prix du Jazz at the 2002 Montreal Jazz Festival.

Cross Street Records presents "Keep It To Yourself"
2018-08-05 19:00 - 22:00
The Scott Gwinnel/Anthony Stanco Quintet
Tony Ruda and sound engineer John McCarthy have started a jazz label that concentrates on the top jazz talent in the Detroit area. Like Rudy Van Gelder of Verve records, Ruda has converted his home in Plymouth into a studio to record these wonderful artists. This debut album features the new quintet sounds of musicians Scott Gwinnell, Anthony Stanco, Andrew Bishop, Jordan Otto, and Dan Kolton.
All the material is fresh, original and timeless. Composers, Gwinnell and Stanco have written all the material here, and the artistry of all five musicians on this album really shines on each of the songs. Come and listen to these extraordinary artists perform, and experience that distinctively Detroit sound.
Maxine Michaels from WRCJ will emcee that night

Daniel Meinecke Ensemble
2018-08-07 20:00
Daniel Meinecke Ensemble
Daniel Meinecke is a Toledo native pianist who spent years in Detroit and now lives in New Orleans. He returns to Cliff Bell’s to present his latest project: The Daniel Meinecke Ensemble. He was a recipient of the 2016 New Voices Award from the Detroit Jazz Festival for his music inspired by experiences in Panama and creating music with the great Danilo Perez. Mr. Meinecke will present this concert in a trio format featuring great Detroit musicians Nate Winn on Drums and Rocco Popielarski on Bass.

Cliff Bell's Closed for Private Event
2018-08-11 00:00 - 23:59, 2018-08-12 00:00 - 23:59

RJ Spangler Organ Quartet
2018-08-15 20:00
The RJ Spangler Organ Quartet performs the music of guitarists Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, & organists Jimmy Smith, Jack McDuff, Big John Patton & Larry Young. The classic organ jazz era! Duncan & RJ have been working on this music for the last 20 and have included two fine younger musicians whom are ready for the task.
Duncan McMillan: Hammond organ
Matt LoRusso: guitar
Sean Perlmutter: drums
RJ Spangler: congas/percussion
(photo by Mike Tuomey_

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-08-17 17:30 - 20:15
Jeff recently completed work on his Graduate degree in jazz studies at WSU and is a fine young string bassist. He is also the chief arranger for the band Midtown Sounds and appears around the city with Tbone Paxton and also the Gary Greenfelder Orchestra.

OOPAPADA featuring Dr. Prof. Leonard King
2018-08-17 21:00
OOPAPADA with Dr. Prof. Leonard King
Dr. Prof. Leonard King prefers to describe his performances as “the music of my ancestors.” When he began gigging professionally in 1960, at age 12, he knew he wanted to cultivate an ensemble that could play blues, rhythm ‘n’ blues, Cuban music, jazz, and more. Beginning with Leonard King and the Soul Messengers in 1963 and continuing with the Lyman Woodard Organization, Strata Nova, and the Visger Road Drum Band, Oopapada is everywhere musically speaking.
From 1995 to 2015 the group existed as an organ trio. Currently it is a quintet and on this engagement will feature John Douglas-trumpet, Alex Colista-saxophones, Matt Lorusso-guitar, Sam Harris-bass, and Dr. Prof. Leonard King-drums & vocals.
His band OOPAPADA features Jason Didia on sax, Charlie Miller on trumpet, Matt LoRusso on guitar and Rocco Popielarski on bass.

Cliff Bell's Closed for a Private Event
2018-08-18 00:00 - 23:59

Speakeasy Sunday
2018-08-19 20:30
Join us for an All Star Speakeasy Sunday!
August 19 / Doors 7:30 & Show 8:30
Tickets: $20-30
Featuring performances by:
Jeez Loueez
“The Honey Badger of Burlesque” and Top 5 in the 21st Century Burlesque Top 50 List!
Elektra Cute
The Tesla of Tease!
Lady Jack
Creative producer for Lady Jack Entertainment and dance group Fringe Factor Dance!
Hot Tawdry
Chicago producer of House of Burlesque and Foundation Cabaret at House of Blues!
Dahlia Fatale
She’ll bend your mind with her body!
Kitty Hawkk
The “High Priestess of Polkadots” and Member of Detroit Grand Cabaret!
Miss Holly Hock
Award-winning producer of Speakeasy Sundays and headmistress of the Detroit School of Burlesque!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/202894213735712/
Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speakeasy-sundays-august-all-star-revue-tickets-48313542105

Jeffery Trent Quartet
2018-08-23 20:00
A young lion that has learned his craft through the strong lineage of Detroit jazz musicians, Jeffery performs bebop to hip hop and rhythm & blues. He will also demonstrate his skill with his original compositions which incorporate a lot of genres. Jeffrey Trent is able to bring a new and eccentric sound to jazz that you do not want to miss!

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-08-24 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-09-07 17:30 - 20:30, 2018-09-14 17:30 - 20:30, 2018-09-21 17:30 - 20:30
Jeff recently completed work on his Graduate degree in jazz studies at WSU and is a fine young string bassist. He is also the chief arranger for the band Midtown Sounds and appears around the city with Tbone Paxton and also the Rhythm Society Orchestra.

John Barron Trio
2018-08-24 21:00 - 23:59
One of Detroit’s top bassists/composers, John will bring a top-flight band featuring keyboardist Chris Codish and drummer Julian VanSlyke.

Allen Dennard Trio
2018-08-26 19:00
The Allen Dennard Quartet is a jazz, funk/fusion band based in the city of Detroit, MI. From traditional swinging compositions to the new contemporary sounds of today, Allen’s quartet offers a mix of old school and new school music. Allen and his group have played in several different venues across Detroit such as Baker’s Keyboard Lounge, Music Hall Jazz Cafe, and Bert’s Marketplace.

KG Experience
2018-09-01 21:30
Trombonist Kenneth Gill brings his band, The KG Experience to Cliff Bell’s for a debut performance. The band is a collection of likeminded Detroit area musicians that perform eclectic original compositions, while remaining true to the jazz tradition. They swing hard, funk hard, and groove hard.

Chris Dave Glow 365 Jam Session W/ Special Guests (pop-up show)
2018-09-04 20:00
Chris “Daddy” Dave is a drummer, composer, and bandleader from Houston, Texas. He attended Howard University. He is an influential drummer in jazz, gospel, hip hop, noted for his extremely virtuosic sticking technique and ability to play with a high degree of syncopation. He performed professionally as a gospel drummer with the Winans, before being introduced to jazz audiences nationally through his association with the accomplished alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett. He performed on Kenny Garrett’s album Standard of Language, before joining the Robert Glasper Experiment and performing on Adele’s Grammy Award winning album. He has also worked with The Winans, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jose James, Kim Burrell, Dolly Parton, Mint Condition, Angus & Julia Stone.
Opening will be Alexis Lombre, a young jazz pianist who discovered early that the true essence of music is not just about what you hear but how music makes you feel. Her musical mission is to keep the ‘Soul’ in music alive. The 2017 release of her debut album, Southside Sounds, does just that, as it is a soulful reflection of her upbringing on Chicago’s Southside. This collection of her original compositions is an attempt to pay homage to the southside’s lively artistic, cultural heritage.

Kayvon Gordon Quartet
2018-09-05 20:00
Kayvon Gordon Quartet
The band will feature Nick Masters (piano), Mike Palazzo (string bass), Allen Dennard (trumpet) and Kayvon Gordon (drums). On the rare occasions that these four musicians find themselves in the same room, they take the audience to new and exciting musical places.

Speakeasy Sunday – burlesque
2018-09-09 20:30
8:30 pm / $20 – $30
Join us for our Movie Tribute Speakeasy Sunday!
September 9 / Doors 7:30 & Show 8:30
Featuring performances by:
Red Rum
Vivi Valens
Endora Emerald
Leena Allure
Magenta Demure
Kitten Von Mitten
Miss Holly Hock & Kitty Hawkk
Emcee: Lilith Von Tal
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speakeasy-sundays-second-annual-silver-screen-tribute-tickets-49237219850
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/460154357815861

Juarez - Lee - Alvarez
2018-09-12 20:00
The band Juarez – Lee – Alvarez is quickly becoming one of the hottest young trios in the midwest. Their unique blend of traditional hard bop and adventurous new original compositions set them apart as a band to seriously look out for. They have performed with jazz luminaries such as John Clayton, Gerald Clayton, Benny Green, Robert Hurst, Carl Allen, Ingrid Jensen, Bennie Maupin, Marcus Belgrave, and Ndugu Chancler. They are in the process of recording their debut record and have toured across the United States. They will be performing selections from their new record as well as their interpretations of classic jazz repertoire.

WSU JAZZ JAM
2018-09-13 16:00 - 18:30
Students from the Wayne State University run a good old-fashioned jazz jam session, which is open to the public.

The Harvey Reed Quartet featuring Tony Camilletti
2018-09-13 22:00 - 23:30
Focusing on the roots of American Jazz, the Harvey Reed Quartet presents a collection of jazz standards from the classic American Songbook, spanning decades of critical compositions that celebrate the evolution of the genre. The Detroit-based musicians are seasoned and sensational, venerable veterans of the Motor City’s jazz community: Dr. Harvey Reed on piano, Rich Kowalewski on bass, Eric Lundquist on sax / clarinet, and Djallo Djakate on drums. The Quartet will also feature guest vocalist Tony Camilletti to present a sophisticated, updated musical style reminiscent of King Cole, Bennett, Torme, Jarreau and Sinatra… among others.

Dave Vessella
2018-09-16 19:00 - 22:00
Trumpet player, vocalist, composer, and arranger, Dave Vessella’s unique sound is reminiscent of traditional New Orleans music and west coast jazz a la Chet Baker. Vessella has played at the Detroit Jazz Festival and the Panama Jazz Festival with Wayne State University and Danilo Perez, Walter White’s Big Band at the Michigan Jazz Festival, The Detroit Pistons house band and many more within Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. This heavy influence of Louis Armstrong lead to Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and more, which has anchored him deep in the tradition of jazz and blues. Dave holds a M.M. from Wayne State University and a B.A. in Jazz Studies from Columbia College Chicago. You can catch him every 2nd and 4th Thursday at Marge’s Bar in Grosse Pointe at one of the longest running continuous traditional jazz gigs in the country.

Caroline Davis Maitri Duo
2018-09-23 19:00 - 22:00
“Seductive, Interstellar Funk” – Okayplayer
“the perfect mix of skill and energy to keep you hooked from start to finish” – Earmilk
“…the…songs…capture the band’s experimental blend of indie rock, jazz, funk, and dream pop” – The Deli Magazine
Translated from Sanskrit, Maitri (“my tree”) is an unconditional love and acceptance of self that extends outward into the world. Formed in Chicago bysaxophonist Caroline Davis, it has become a collective songwriting outfit for both her and Ben Hoffmann since its relocation to Brooklyn. Featuring soulful vocals over polyrhythmic grooves, the group also uses experimental sounds and effects to create a lush sonic landscape. Maitri is the soundtrack for the inevitable ushering in of the new world order

Tonotrope
2018-09-25 20:00
Tonotrope is a collaborative trio of Michael Malis (piano), Jaribu Shahid (bass), and Jonathan Taylor (drums). Together, they search for the inner logic of musical language by exploring the outer limits of the jazz repertoire.
Jaribu Shahid is a leading bassist of international stature. A native Detroit he has played with some of the defining artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. He has collaborated with such luminaries as Sun Ra, Roscoe Mitchell, Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Geri Allen, James Carter, and the Art Ensemble of Chicago. He is a founding member of Griot Galaxy, Detroit’s defining avant jazz ensemble of the 1970’s and beyond.
Michael Malis is a pianist and composer based in Detroit, MI. In August 2017, he released an album of duets with saxophonist Marcus Elliot, entitled “Balance.” The album was praised by the Detroit Metro Times as “contemporary jazz of the highest order, a benchmark for where the genre can go.” He has performed at venues such as the Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Yokohama, Japan), the Kennedy Center, Birdland (NYC), the Detroit Jazz Festival, The Stone (NYC), and the Detroit Institute of Arts, and with notables such as Marcus Belgrave, Tyshawn Sorey, William Hooker, Jaribu Shahid, Ken Filiano, Andrew Bishop, Dennis Coffey, and Marion Hayden. He has been lauded for his scores for film and theater, which have garnered awards, critical acclaim, and have reached international audiences. He is a founding member of Polyfold Musical Arts Collective. He is currently as Master’s student at Wayne State University, studying composition.
Jonathan Taylor is a Detroit-based drummer, improviser, composer, and educator. A tireless collaborator, he co-leads a number of original projects including the electro acoustic duo Says Things, sound and movement ensemble Legs, art rock quartet saajtak, and his own quintet of original music, Mover. He has performed alongside such luminaries of creative music as Wadada Leo Smith, Dave Liebman, Michael Formanek, and Jaribu Shahid, and is a founding member of Polyfold, a musical arts collective. His compositions have been described as “A balance between form and freedom” and “Music for the head and heart” (All About Jazz). As a performer, he’s been featured at Edgefest, The DC Jazz Festival, The Jazz Gallery in New York, Detroit’s Strange Beautiful Music, and more.
www.michaelmalis.com
