Cliff Bell's

Cross Street Records presents "Keep It To Yourself"
2018-08-05 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)
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

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.

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

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

Corey Kendrick Trio
2018-07-29 19:00 - 22:00
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.

Jarrod Champion (brunch)
2018-07-29 11:00 - 14:00
Jarrod plays boogie-woogie, jump and standards during our famous Sunday Brunch.

The Vincent Chandler Collective - Something Different
2018-07-27 21:00
Innovation includes instrumentation, along with rhythm and harmony. This performance will feature original compositions by WSU Professor Vincent Chandler written for a unique front line of flute, guitar, viola, and trombone.
Rafael Statin – Flute
Ian Blunden – Guitar
Leslie DeShazor – Viola
Vincent Chandler – Trombone
Alexis Lombre – Piano
Jonathon Muir-Cotton – Bass
Stuart Lyons – Drums

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-07-27 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-07-13 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-07-06 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.

Dave Rajewski Quartet
2018-07-26 20:00
Dr. David Rajewski is a musician with diverse musical experience. With over 20 years of professional freelance experience David has performed and recorded with artists and groups as diverse as, The Temptations, The Vervepipe, David Liebman, Tom Harrell, John Fedchock, Rob McConnell, Jiggs Whigham, James Carter, Slide Hampton, Charlie Persip, Steve Lippia, Ed Polarmo, Andrew Woolfolk, Van Lester, Fred Hess, Leslie Gore, Ron Miles, Dave Douglas and Matt Wilson. Although a Michigan native, David’s fine trumpet playing has allowed him to perform throughout the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, and twelve countries throughout Europe.
David received his BM degree in Jazz Studies from Wayne State University in Detroit (99) while studying and performing with renowned trumpeter Marcus Belgrave. After spending time in New York playing Lead Trumpet for Charlie Persip’s Big Band (early 2000’s) he moved back to Detroit in 2003. In addition to performing locally in various musical settings and nationally with the Temptations, David also accepted a position as Production Assistant at Yessian Music. There he produced numerous local and national T.V./radio commercials as well as two episodes for the Discovery channel’s “Med-Air” documentary series.
David moved to Denver in 2004 to pursue and later receive his MM in Trumpet Performance at the University of Colorado working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant to Terry Sawchuk (2006). He later completed his DMA in Jazz Studies at the University of Colorado (2016) studying with John Gunther. Since moving to Denver David’s fine trumpet playing and musicianship has allowed him to perform in the areas top Jazz, Classical, Latin, Pop and Funk settings. Denver based groups include the Motet, Fire It Up Brass Band, Ninth & Lincoln Jazz Orchestra, Rockslide, Wil Swindler’s Elevenet, Adam Bartczak Republic, La Candella, Conjunto Colores, Fred Hess Big Band, H2 Big Band, Vail Valley Theatre Company, Buell Theatre, and the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts.
As an educator he has worked with numerous public/private Detroit and Denver area schools through independent music programs, clinics, special classes and private lessons. David has also taught for Naropa University (2006), University of Colorado Continuing Education Program (2005-6) and adjudicated for the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival (2012). David currently conducts educational outreach through the Park Hill Brass, DaVinci Center for the Musical Arts and the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts. Throughout the years David’s trumpet students have been awarded scholarships to the University of North Texas, University of Miami, University of Colorado, University of Northern Colorado and the Lamont School of Music.
In 2009 David founded the Legacy Jazz Orchestra, a project dedicated to performing and preserving the music and legacy of the late great Thad Jones. The band featured Denver’s top professional jazz musicians and was featured at the Five Points Jazz Festival (2010) and on Jazz 89.3 KUVO.
In 2017 David founded the The Welton Street Players. This Trad Jazz group celebrates Denver’s historic Jazz scene from the 1920-50’s and features some of the top Jazz professionals in Denver.
Dave Rajewski – trumpet
Scott Gwinnell – piano
Jeff Pedraz – string bass
David Zwolinski – drums

Alexis Lombre
2018-07-25 08:00 - 17:00
Alexis Lombre is 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. In addition to her debut record, she was featured on Live The Spirit Residency Presents: “The Young Masters” (2016), and Mikel Patrick Avery’s “Music for a 1/2 Sized Piano” (2014).
Alexis has performed at some of jazz’s major venues and festivals in Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Newark, St. Louis and Kansas City. Most recently, she celebrated the release of her debut CD at Chicago’s historic Jazz Showcase. She has shared the stage with international renowned jazz musicians such as Ernest Dawkins, Ingrid Jensen, Kendrick Scott, James Carter, Marion Hayden, Gayelynn McKinney, Bobby Watson and, has studied with Geri Allen, Willie Pickens and former Jazz Messenger, Benny Green.
Alexis has also provided music for theater companies such as the Black Ensemble Theater ‘s “The Marvin Gaye Story”(2016),“Men of Soul” (2015), “At Last: A Tribute to Etta James” (2015) and “Sounds So Sweet (2016)” and Manual Cinemas “No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (2017).
Alexis strives to be an artist who always searches and rejoices at an opportunity to stretch her musical boundaries.

Speakeasy Sunday’s w/ Holly Hock
2018-07-22 20:30
Speakeasy Sunday’s w/ Holly Hock
Burlesque at its finest!
Sunday, July 22 – Doors 7:30 / Show 8:30
Tickets $20-30
Summer is in full swing and Speakeasy Sundays is ready: join us as we celebrate our favorite things about summer with an evening of cocktails and burlesque entertainment.
Featuring performances by:
Ada Vice
Darling Dollie
Tila Von Twirl
Hannah the Hatchet
Kitty Hawkk & Eris
Leena Allure
Miss Holly Hock
Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speakeasy-sundays-summer-swing-tickets-47401592439
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/276949586377939/

Gustavo Cortiñas Snapshot
2018-07-21 21:30
Downbeat Magazine:
“Cortiñas’ music is uplifting, robust, melodic, and gets your body moving; it’s an exciting blend of the artist’s musical influences from jazz and Latin America, including his native Mexico”
Here are three of the Ensemble’s official videos:
Dialectics of Freedom (studio)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd5_QXp_SGM
Ubermensch (live at the Jazz Showcase)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ1_CUXPzoY
Arete (live at the jazz showcase)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCNahnJXD6U
Modern Drummer Magazine
“An emerging drummer to watch. Cortiñas is a highly musical and grooving drummer, as well as a laudable composer… his music is surprisingly danceable…groove-shifter, high-energy precision soloing, framed by vivid ideas. A joyful meeting of mind and spirit”.
Chicago Jazz Magazine
“With the cohesive and captivating Esse, Cortiñas has created superb work that balances refreshingly inventive ideas with high-caliber musicianship. This exquisite and continuously gripping record is a testament to Cortiñas’ triple threat of skills as dynamic performer, agile bandleader and brilliant composer”
All about Jazz
“A fascinating musical realization, exploration, and distillation of the works of Hegel, Aristotle, Descartes, Plato, and other brilliant minds…statements that are both studious and thought-provoking in nature…Gustavo Cortinas has worked everything out in his musical neck of the woods.”
Please visit
www.gustavocortinasmusic.com

Michael Zaporski’s FUTUREVISIONS Quintet
2018-07-20 21:00
Michael Zaporski’s FUTUREVISIONS quintet explodes
across the soundscape, taking audiences on a lyrical epic,
connecting two continents and two quintessential
traditions: American Jazz and West African rhythms.
Their performances are a whirlwind of dynamic energy
leaving listeners hanging on every pulse-pounding note.
Jazz aficionados and novices alike will be spellbound after
hearing their smart, clever, and scintillating compositions.

MSU Community Music School-Detroit: Spartan Youth Jazz Boot Camp 2018
2018-07-20 19:00 - 20:30
Led by Detroit jazz artist and educator Sean Dobbins, MSU Spartan Youth Jazz is a program that provides high-quality music education outside of the normal school day. The SYJ Boot Camp is a week-long summer camp where student combos learn improvisation, ensemble playing, and technique. Student combos will perform the tunes they learned at camp.

Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five
2018-07-18 20:00
“She’s a true extrovert…even when you watch her sing, she engages you and makes you feel like you’re part of the story.”
— Terell Stafford, Jazz trumpet player
In October 2012, vocalist Chelsea Reed brought five of her friends together to play some tunes in a South Philly dining room. Her plan was to form a band that played for swing dancers, so she could finally have the chance to sing her favorite songs for an audience that loved early jazz as much as she did. Since that fateful day, she’s been living that dream and couldn’t be happier about it.
Now, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five are at home at swing dances, jazz clubs and concert halls alike. They have played renowned Philadelphia venues and travel the country year round to perform at both Lindy and Blues exchanges and workshops. They’ve had the honor of sharing the stage with trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, and he’s featured on their July 2017 release, Spreadin’ Rhythm Around. They love exploring the roots of jazz and finding creative ways to interpret forgotten songs. Drawing upon the intensity of powerhouse vocalists, the ingenuity of 20th century composers, and the soul of the dance floor, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five honor the heritage of jazz with fresh arrangements and original songs. They are silly, passionate people who love playing this music.
And that’s all there is to it.
https://www.facebook.com/ChelseaReedAndTheFairWeatherFive/

Metro Jazz Workshop Performances
2018-07-16 19:00
Monday July 16
Monday evening is the middle school combo / jazz vocalist performance for the Detroit Jazz Workshop. After the younger DJW students play a set of music, some of Detroit’s upcoming vocalists will take the stage in their debut performance with a professional group. 7pm show. $10 advanced tickets / $15 door
https://www.helpwithjazz.com/

Metro Jazz Workshop Performances
2018-07-15 17:00 - 22:00
Sunday July 15
Sunday evening is the high school / adult instrumental small-group performance for the Detroit Jazz Workshop. All levels of jazz musicians will perform selections by great jazz composers. There are 5pm and 8pm shows. $10 advanced tickets / $15 door
https://www.helpwithjazz.com/

Sam Blakeslee
2018-07-14 21:30
Originally from Columbus, OH, Sam Blakeslee is a New York City based trombonist and composer. Sam holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Youngstown State as well as a Master of Music in Classical Performance from the University of Akron. As a former resident of the Cleveland & Akron, OH area from 2013-2017, he worked extensively in Jazz Education and served as the Instructor of Jazz Trombone at Youngstown State University from 2013-2014, Director of the Jazz Prep Program at Cuyahoga Community College from 2014-2017, as well as the Instructor of Improvisation at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
During his time at the University of Akron, he was a member and composer for the Jazz Trombone Group, which won first place in the International Trombone Association’s Kai Winding Jazz Trombone Ensemble Competition. In June of 2013, he traveled Columbus, GA to play his original music at the International Trombone Festival with the University of Akron Jazz Trombone Group. He is also well versed in classical music and was a 2013 recipient of a Tuesday Musical Scholarship in Brass.
Sam has performed at multiple jazz festivals across the world such as the Fano Jazz Festival, Mosciano San Angelo Jazz Festival, and Parma Jazz Festival in Italy as well as the Deutsche Musikfest in Chemnitz, Germany. While at Youngstown State, Sam was selected one of fifteen people nationwide to attend The Steans Institute for the Young Artist at Ravinia where he studied with Curtis Fuller, Rufus Reid, Dr. Nathan Davis, and Dr. David Baker. He also attended Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead at the Kennedy Center which is a two week residency where his original music was broadcasted to worldwide audience. In May 2014, Sam attended the International Workshop for Jazz and Creative Music at the Banff Centre where he studied with Vjiay Iyer, Ambrose Akinmusire, Steve Lehman, Tyshawn Sorey, Nir Felder, Warren Wolf, among others. Sam is also very busy as a freelancer, and he has played with artists Joe Lovano, Sean Jones, Jiggs Whigham, Aretha Franklin, Dominick Farinacci, Bernard Purdie, Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, and Derrick Gardner.
Sam Blakeslee – trombone/compositions
Brandon Coleman – guitar
Michael Orenstein – piano
Leo Sherman – bass
Dan Pugach – drums
http://www.samblakesleemusic.com/

Paul VornHagen Quartet
2018-07-08 19:00 - 22:00
Paul plays sax, flute and sings ala Chet Baker. He is an experienced jazz artist and brings a commensurate band: Gary Schunk (piano), Kurt Krahnke (bass) and Pete Siers (drums).

Shawn Maxwell Quintet
2018-07-07 21:30
Shawn Maxwell formed his style early on while growing up in the rich musical history of the Joliet, Illinois school music programs. From the time a clarinet and saxophone first touched his lips, Maxwell knew that music was his calling. With conviction and abilities that belied his age, it was equally clear to others that Shawn Maxwell was destined to be a musician. He quickly became a celebrated performer in the Joliet Central High School band program where his prowess as a soloist was on regular display. Shawn further refined his art in a post-secondary setting, absorbing all that his instructors could teach – earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Millikin University in 1999. Shawn then signed with the prestigious and legendary Conn-Selmer Company to join their Performance and Educational Artist Roster.
After starting his professional career touring internationally, across the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, Maxwell returned home to Chicago. His multi-instrumental talents have been lauded by fellow musicians and critics alike and Maxwell has become one the preeminent performers in the Chicago jazz landscape.
In late 2004, Maxwell took his group, The Shawn Maxwell Quartet, into the studio to record the tracks for what would eventually become his debut release, “Originals”. The album showcased Maxwell’s composition, arranging, and production skills while also highlighting the impressive skills of his group. Brad Walseth, of jazzchicago.net wrote that the album “…is like a refreshing burst of fresh air through the jazz world that can often seem closed and stale.”
2008 brought the release of his second album, “Originals II,” consisting of twelve compositions that further highlight Shawn’s maturation as a musician and band leader. In 2010 Shawn recorded his first CD, “Maxwell’s House,” for the Chicago Sessions Jazz Label. “Maxwell’s House” features his current quartet performing ten new originals. In addressing the album, Neil Tesser wrote, “His alto timbre sits in a lineage exemplified by past giants like Jackie McLean and Eric Dolphy, and by such latter-day players as Arthur Blythe and Steve Slagle.”
2011 marked the release of his second album, “Urban Vigilante” on the Chicago Sessions record label. Heralded at 3 stars by Downbeat Magazine, this album continues to race up the charts while garnering critical praise. The Shawn Maxwell Quartet can be seen performing at some of the most celebrated clubs and festivals across the country.
Released Feb 18th 2014, the latest disc from Shawn Maxwell, “Shawn Maxwell’s Alliance,” features an impressive ensemble. This unique album is released on the Chicago Sessions record label. The group has developed an avid following among critics and fans. Howard Reich writes, “Maxwell’s scores proved as unusual as his taste for instrumental color, the pieces shifting from jazz-swing rhythm one moment to classical downbeats the next, from bebop phraseology to long and incantatory phrases to perky, funk-tinged melody making… Nobody writes like this.”
Maxwell has expanded his repertoire to include guest appearances and master classes in educational settings as a Vandoren Regional Artist. His pedagogical skill combined with a performer’s sensibility has made him a favorite of elementary age through college students.
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The Hvrcrft Ft. Brian Charette & Ari Teitel
2018-07-06 21:00
Band is The Hvrcrft Ft. Brian Charette & Ari Teitel
Formed in 2018 at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, The Hvrcrft is a collaboration between veteran NYC jazz organist Brian Charette and young NOLA guitarist Ari Teitel. The pair blends modern jazz with heavy funk and electronic music, breeding mind blowing improvisation. Veteran Detroit drum great, Skeeto Valdez will round out the trio!

Nolan Young Quartet
2018-07-05 20:00
Thursday, July 5, the Nolan Young Quartet, 8 pm, no cover. Nolan is a strong Detroit tenor man that got his start on stage at Cliff Bell’s. He always brings a top-flight young band with plenty of great players sitting in!

Curtis Taylor & #HASHTAGGED LIVE
2018-07-01 19:00 - 22:00
Grammy Award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. His unique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for an unforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener. According to Taylor, “ When played honestly, music is the ultimate conveyer of truth and beauty.”
Taylor has performed and recorded with Patrice Rushen, Billy Childs, Gary Novak, Bob Sheppard, Ed Motta, Marvin “Smitty’ Smith, Rodney Whitaker, Antonio Hart and great gospel luminaries Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard and the Singletons. More extensively Taylor’s stint with jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut included a notable concert performance at Kennedy Center recorded for NPR’s Jazzset, an appearance at the Spoleto Jazz Festival, and a week long engagement at Dizzy’s Club in NYC. In addition, Taylor had the great opportunity to tour internationally with virtuosic saxophonist James Carter’s Quintet, performing in: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Canada, and Austria. Rounding out the experience, was a week long stint at Yoshi’s in California again with the James Carter Quintet.
In more recent years, Taylor has had the wonderful opportunity to perform and record with rising Jazz star Gregory Porter. Taylor’s trumpet can be heard on Gregory Porter’s debut album Water and on his junior release (Blue Note records) Liquid Spirit. Both albums were nominated for Grammy Awards. Liquid Spirit won the Grammy in the Best Jazz Vocal Album category for 2013.

Oakland University Golden Grisley's Jazz Camp Ensemble
2018-06-29 19:30 - 20:30, 2018-06-22 19:30 - 20:30

The Max Bauhof Group
2018-06-28 20:00
The Max Bauhof Group features pianist/vocalist Shawn McDonald, bassist Ben Luttermoser, guitarist Paul Carey with max holding it down on drums. All of these men have considerable time under their belts touring on the road, in the US and abroad. They play a mix of jazz and funky blues.

Speakeasy Sunday’s w/ Holly Hock
2018-06-24 20:30
Speakeasy Sunday June 24
Doors 7:30 / Show 8:30
Featuring performances by:
Leena Allure
Kitten Von Mitten
Gurl Haggard
Margot Lugosi
Miss Holly Hock
Vivacious Miss Audacious
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speakeasy-sundays-june-edition-tickets-46257504441

The Quick Trio
2018-06-17 19:00 - 22:00
Jason Quick is a jazz guitarist from Detroit and attended WSU, long residing in Toledo, Ohio, where he is a busy bandleader and musician. His group this year is going to have Galen Bundy on the Hammond organ and Zac Kreuz on Drums, performing primarily his original tunes.
