Cliff Bell's

Paul VornHagen Quartet
2018-07-08 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit)
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!

Jeff Cuny Trio
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.

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.

Father's Day Brunch with Shawn McDonald
2018-06-17 11:30 - 14:30
This blues & jazz pianist has toured through North & South America and Europe and is a fine vocalist as well.

Bill Heid Trio
2018-06-16 21:30
Bill Heid came of age in the crucible that was Pittsburgh in its jazz heyday, hanging out at legendary Hill District clubs like the Hurricane Bar and the Crawford Grill. All the jazz greats regularly played in town back in the sixties and young Bill took every opportunity to sit in and learn from these masters. In addition to the many musicians passing through town during that period, Pittsburgh had produced some of the greatest names in jazz “Ahmad Jamal, Art Blakey, Errol Garner, George Benson, Eddie Jefferson, Mary Lou Williams, Stanley Turrentine, to name a few, all called Pittsburgh their hometown.
Bill took these lessons and experiences and headed West to Detroit and Chicago, where he built a solid blues resume, touring and recording as a pianist with Jimmy Witherspoon, Koko Taylor, Alberta Adams, Fenton Robinson, and many others. He also played jazz piano on two major Impulse!/MCA recordings for Chicago guitarist Henry Johnson, who called Bill’s piano playing “brilliant”, and adds that Bill “…brings fire, excitement and a feeling of the blues to any recording that he appears on.”
It is as an organist though that Bill became better known, recording as a leader on several outstanding jazz organ dates in the mid to late nineties for the Muse/Westside and Savant labels. Bill’s organ sound is at once gritty and sophisticated and is flavored with Bill’s idiosyncratic style and unique vernacular. Now, after having spent a number of years working in Japan and touring all over the world for the U.S. State Department as a Jazz Ambassador, Bill is back stateside where he can be heard on organ and piano engagements at various venues in the Washington, D.C. area.

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-06-15 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-06-08 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-05-25 17:30 - 20:15
Jeff is finishing his masters 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.

The Allen Dennard Quartet
2018-06-14 20:00
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.

The Frost Middle School Jazz Band
2018-06-10 18:00 - 20:00
From Livonia, MI, The Frost Middle School Jazz Band is under the direction of Michael Rais. The jazz band is made up of 22 members that auditioned for this group. The Jazz Band is one of the highest ensembles at Frost M.S. The Jazz band will be performing all styles including jazz, swing, funk, and more. Make sure you come out and support these fine young musicians.

Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra
2018-06-07 19:00
This year is the 20th anniversary for the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, which initially started as a rehearsal band for Gwinnell to hear his compositions and arrangements played. With encouragement from friends/musicians and an offer of a weekly gig at the Music Menu Cafe in Detroit’s Greektown. Gwinnell and his musicians made a commitment to present high quality big band jazz music. After the Menu, the band moved to the Cadieux Cafe on the east side of Detroit where gigs were routinely accented with the playing of Detroit trumpet legend Marcus Belgrave, who eventually joined the SGJO for their first record in 2002, “Basement Vibes.”
During this time the band also began to branch out. Gigs with the late great tenor player Donald Walden, a feature performance in Toronto at the International Association of Jazz Educators with sax virtuoso Dave Liebman, and WDET radio dates highlight this period.
Next, the band began its exciting Wednesday gigs at the then brand new Cliff Bells. With the addition of some more skilled players, the SGJO reached a higher artistic plateau. Working together every week, the band gelled and impressed new audiences of jazz fans, musicians, and critics. SGJO then released a CD “Brush Fire” (2010 WSG Music) which won two Detroit Music Awards and also did performances with Aria Hendricks and Dominic Faranacci, as well as performances at the Detroit Jazz Festival and other festivals which gave the SGJO more notoriety.
In 2009, the SGJO was chosen to be part of a big project proposed by the Detroit Jazz Festival. The artist-in-residence, the acclaimed bassist/composer John Clayton, was commissioned to write a suite based on Detroit jazz legends. The SGJO would play a series of summer concerts, with the finale being a performance to close that year’s festival. The suite paired the Clayton Brothers Quintet with the SGJO in a 55 minute concerto grosso. All of the musicians performed greatly, receiving a 5 minute standing ovation.
Some of the frequent musicians involved with the Cliff Bells SGJO group are: Keith Kaminski, James Hughes, Steve Wood, Carl Cafagna, and Mark Berger on saxes. Dave Jensen, Terry Kimura, Tony Buccilli, and Stefan Stolarchuk on trombone. Trumpets are Bob Jensen, Paul Finkbeiner, John Douglas, and Justin Walter. Jordan Schug plays bass and Scott Kretzer plays the drums.
The most recent project has been a recording of the music of Mulgrew Miller (Detroit Music Factory label).
A High School Jazz Band will open at 7 pm.
https://www.wscottjazz.com/orchestra-groups/

Alexis Lombre
2018-06-05 20:00
Alexis Lombre is a teenage professional jazz pianist who is making her way onto the jazz scene. Raised on Chicago’s South Side, she discovered early that the true essence of music is not only about what you hear but, more importantly how music makes you feel. https://alexislombre.com/

“Tony By Tony” the Tony Camilletti Quartet
2018-06-03 19:00 - 22:00
This special presentation, “Tony By Tony,” by the Tony Camilletti Quartet features a collection of iconic songs associated with his distinctive voice of Tony Bennett. Mr. Bennett’s recording career began in 1949 after which he practically owned the airwaves in the 1950s, scoring many hits around the world. His popularity declined in the late 60s with the rage of rock, but he rose again like a jazz phoenix in the 80s and still commands respect from new generations with his inimitable talent and charisma. His duet albums with younger contemporaries started an award-winning trend and he continues to amaze audiences today in his 90s.
Tony Camilletti is a native Detroiter whose vocals were influenced by stylish jazz masters such as Tony Bennett. His velvety, soulful style has been compared to Mathis, Vandross, Torme, Cole, Darin and Sinatra. Tony’s musical tastes are fully based in the American Songbook, as he is determined to keep the classics alive. He has co-headlined the jazz-duets group Cheek to Cheek, leads the Tony Camilletti Quartet and the vintage-rock group, Blackbird, and has entertained audiences in Washington DC, San Francisco and throughout the metro Detroit area. Joining him for this special tribute to Tony Bennett are some of Detroit’s best seasoned musicians: Harvey Reed (piano), Rich Kowalewski (bass) and Eric Lundquist (winds).

John Barron Quartet
2018-06-01 21:00
Bassist John Barron performing original compositions and standards with his quartet of acclaimed Detroit veterans Chris Codish (piano) Skeeto Valdez (drums) and Mark Kieme (saxophone).
www.johnbarronmusic.com

DAVID THOMAS & CO
2018-05-31 20:00
David Thomas is a multi-instrumentalist, bandleader, composer, and educator from Rochester Hills, Michigan who performs mainly in the Metro-Detroit area. He sings and plays a wide variety of instruments which includes the piano, Rhodes electric piano, organ, trumpet, piccolo, flute, melodica, and glockenspiel. David’s musical foundation began as an infant because his mother continually filled their home with music from a wide variety of artists and genres, many of which she took him to see in concert. Eager to learn how to play the piano, he began taking formal lessons at the age of 7. For 6th grade band class, he was “fit” with the trumpet and hasn’t put it down since.
Turning down scholarships from other universities, he was hopeful to study with the legendary Rodney Whitaker at Michigan State University and was delighted when he was accepted into their Jazz Studies Program. It was there that David formed his first jazz groups, DTQ (David Thomas Quartet) and The Funtet. He graduated from MSU with his Elementary Education Degree and his Minor in Music. With a desire to learn other instruments, he taught himself to play the piccolo and the flute. While the piccolo can be an uncommon instrument to hear in a jazz group, David has found a way to incorporate its sound into his jazz renderings.
Currently, David entertains his audiences with his variety of instruments and vocals while performing solo, with his own jazz group, DAVID THOMAS & CO., and with other stellar musicians such as RJ Spangler, James O’Donnell, Sheila Landis and Rick Matle. He has a deep passion and love for jazz history and is a bit of a jazz nut, always hungry to learn more.

Markus Howell Quintet
2018-05-30 20:00
Markus Howell is a performer, composer, and educator from Deerfield Beach, Florida. As a graduate of Michigan State University, Markus has had the opportunity to perform with guest artists such as Christian McBride, Jimmy Cobb, Peter Bernstein, Kenny Barron, and Louis Hayes. Along with the Michigan State Jazz Orchestra, he has made several appearances at the Detroit Jazz Festival and competed in the Next Generation Jazz Festival competition in Monterey, California. He is a Young Arts alumnus and a finalist in the North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz competition. Markus has performed and recorded with top leaders on their respectful instruments including bassist Rodney Whitaker, trumpeter Etienne Charles, trombonist Michael Dease, guitarist Randy Napoleon, and saxophonist Diego Rivera. As an alumnus of the prestigious Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency in Washington D.C., Markus has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for The Performing Arts. Markus has performed the Star Spangled Banner at the American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. As an active film composer, Markus’ latest work features him as co-composer for a film called Sorta Late. This film was featured in the 2016 Traverse City Film Festival in Traverse City, Michigan. As an educator, Markus is on staff at Michigan State University as a graduate Teaching Assistant in Jazz Saxophone performance while pursuing his master’s degree in Jazz Studies. With the many blessings and opportunities Markus has experienced thus far, he continues to strive for excellence and reach higher.
www.markushowell.com

Phil Ranelin
2018-05-27 19:00 - 22:00, 2018-05-26 21:30
Phil Ranelin
Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, Band Leader, Producer, Educator
Phillip Arthur Ranelin was born in Indianapolis, Indiana where he grew up under the influence of Jimmy Coe, Earmon Hubbard, J.J. Johnson, Pookie Johnson, Willis Kirk, Wes Montgomery, Melvin Rhyne, Russell Webster and David Young. Ranelin is loved and respected around the globe as a veteran trombonist of the J.J. Johnson tradition, former Freddie Hubbard sideman and as co-founder of Detroit’s famed TRIBE Records. Ranelin has studied and played with some of the most highly respected Jazz and classical educators in the business, including professors David N. Baker, Nathan Davis, Bunky Green, Larry Ridley, Dr. Louis Smith and Donald Byrd (with whom in 1976 he received the key to the city of Detroit). Ranelin’s performance credits include: Ella Fitzgerald, Wes Montgomery , Art Pepper, Freddie Redd, Vi Redd, Sarah Vaughan, Gerald Wilson and Freddie Hubbard with whom in 1980 he appeared on MISTRAL, Japan’s #1 Jazz record of the year.
From 1969 through 1974, Ranelin worked at Detroit’s Motown Records both as a tour musician and studio musician, touring and recording with,The Four Tops, The Temptations, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles and Stevie Wonder.
As a leader, Ranelin has shared the bill with Stanley Clarke, Christian McBride, Les McCann, Sonny Rollins, Pharoah Sanders, Wayne Shorter, Jimmy Smith, O.C. Smith, Leon Thomas ,Benny Golson and McCoy Tyner. Ranelin has appeared at many Jazz festivals around the world including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Vera Cruz Muestra International Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Atlantic City Jazz Festival, Montreux Detroit, Kool Jazz, Indiana Black Expo, the Newport Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Jazz At Drew, USC Spectrum LA Jazz, UCLA Jazz & Reggae Festival, The Indy Jazz Fest ,the Dakar-Goree Jazz Festival, and the Panama Jazz Festival
A Los Angeles resident since 1977, Ranelin has been designated by official resolutions as a “Rare and Valuable Cultural Treasure” and as a “Cultural Ambassador throughout the Nation and to the world audience”
Ranelin’s CD’s include, “A Close Encounter Of The Very Best Kind”,’’Inspiration”, “Living In A New Day”, “Reminiscence”,”Perseverance & “Portrait In Blue”
Phil will have Rod Williams coming in from New York on Piano; Jaribu Shahid- Bass; Djallo Djakate- Drums.

Ursula Walker & the Buddy Budson Quintet
2018-05-25 21:00
Ursula Walker has been a mainstay of the Detroit music world for 66 years, beginning at the age of eleven on Detroit television and radio. Her outstanding talents as a unique stylist of ballads, standards, and jazz gained her national recognition among her peers, fielding many offers to tour nationally – with Stan Kenton, the Harry James Band, Count Basie, and Tony Bennett. Over the years she has performed at countless clubs, concerts, and festivals, frequently at the Detroit Jazz Festival. She has opened for many well-known performers, including Dizzy Gillespie, Oscar Peterson, and Tania Maria. Ursula has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards, one of which she is especially proud: the 2007 Southern Christian Leadership Conference Aretha Franklin Award for outstanding achievement in the Performing Arts. On August 5, Ursula received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Detroit Black Music Awards, honoring her then-60-year career as a jazz vocalist in Detroit.
Buddy Budson has been playing jazz piano around the Detroit area for the past 58 years. In 1973, Buddy joined drummer Buddy Rich’s big band, toured England, Australia, and the United States, and recorded an album with the band. Soon after, Buddy toured with both guitarist Earl Klugh, and the Motown group, The Four Tops. He has also backed well-known performers including Henry Mancini, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis, Jr., Marlena Shaw, Charles McPherson, and Steve Turre. When the Fox Television Network debuted in the late ‘80’s Buddy composed and arranged the theme and transitional music for the sitcom, Duet. Ursula also sang the theme and additional music for the show. He has also done vocal and instrumental arrangements for big band and orchestra.
Ursula Walker and the Buddy Budson Quintet perform standards and jazz classics, with an emphasis on well-known jazz instrumentals with lyrics written by Ursula and Buddy. The quintet features some of Detroit’s finest jazz musicians: on trumpet, Dwight Adams; on saxophone, Keith Kaminski; on bass, Kurt Krahnke; on drums, Dave Taylor.

Trunino Lowe Quintet
2018-05-23 20:00
Trunino is one of the young promising upcoming trumpet players. Born & raised in Detroit where he found his love for Music. Always a guaranteed good time when he’s in the house.
Trunino Lowe – Trumpet
Vincent Chandler – Trombone
Alexis Lombre – Piano
Jonathon Muir-Cotton – Bass
Louis Jones III – Drums

Jeffrey Trent Quartet
2018-05-22 20:00
Jeffrey Trent Quartet
Jeffrey Trent is a young lion that has learned his craft through the strong lineage of Detroit jazz musicians. This young man has vast areas of music he specializes in from bebop to hip hop and also rhythm & blues. Jeffrey Trent is able to bring a new and eclectic sound to jazz that you do not want to miss as he makes his debut as a band leader at Cliff Bell’s!

Speakeasy Sunday’s w/ Holly Hock
2018-05-20 20:30
Speakeasy Sunday’s w/ Holly Hock
Burlesque at its finest!
Doors 7:30pm/Show 8:30pm
$20-30
Tickets: http://www.misshollyhock.com/
