Cliff Bell's

Rod Williams Quartet
2018-12-14 21:00 (America/Detroit)
Pianist/Composer Rod Williams was born in Detroit April 15, 1954 and studied with the great pianist Kenny Cox. In the summer 1981 he was playing with the Sam Sanders’ group “Visions” at the Detroit Jazz Center as an opening act for Air (Henry Threadgill, Fred Hopkins and Steve McCall), Henry Threadgill strongly encouraged him to move to New York and in the fall of 1981, he did so, which is where he currently resides.
“Pianist-composer Rod Williams’ typically stimulating original “Home Sweet Home” opens his fine 1989 LP “Hanging in the Balance” (Muse). It would certainly be an appropriate piece for the Detroit-born Williams to include when he returns to the Motor City. Williams made his reputation working with a range of left-of-center voices, among them David Murray, Henry Threadgill, Dewey Redman and Lester Bowie. He has also proven to be an alert accompanist for vocalist Cassandra Wilson early in her career. But like most Detroiters, Williams retains an essential versatility, and there’s not much across the post-bop landscape you could throw at him that he can’t handle. His improvisations alternate between a scampering kind of percussive rumble with a smoother, more pianistic touch, and his compositions reveal a personal approach to melody and structure” -Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press June 17, 2015
He will perform with two generations of Detroit Jazz musicians- Marcus Elliott, Rocco Popielarski and Djallo Djakate.

The Jeff Cuny Duo
2018-12-14 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 & bassist for the Planet D Nonet and appears around the city with Tbone Paxton and also the Rhythm Society Orchestra. With David Dunham on guitar.

Khristian Foreman Quintet
2018-12-12 20:00
Born in Detroit, Khristian is an active trombonist & bass trombonist throughout the city and also throughout the south. Khristian is currently a Senior in Music Performance at Jackson State University where he actively performs at his school & freelances as well.
Khristian Foreman is a member and active performer in multiple groups and ensembles such as the First Baptist Orchestra in Jackson, MS, Ben Friends Jazz Orchestra, Marcus Elliot’s Beyond Rebellious Ensemble, The Theater Bizarre Orchestra, The Gabriel Brass Band, Epic Funk Brass Band and AJC & The Envelope Pushers.
In pursuit of honing his craft, chasing his degree & continuing to be an excellent scholar, Khristian has studied with numerous of musicians and professors including Dr. Carla Stovall, Vincent Chandler, Reginald Chapman, Altin Sencalar, Dr. Isrea Butler, Kris Johnson, De’sean Jones and more! He has the great honor of being the 2018 recipient of the Conn – Selmer Institute Scholarship Award & Has taught music in Michigan, Mississippi and recently Meru, Kenya.

paris_monster
2018-12-11 20:00
Beat-driven. Employing heavy elements of funk and soul, paris_monster closes the gaps between synth-pop & garage; between modern detail and old-school grit. Solid earth. Soaring soundscapes. A mass of noise. Volatility. Vocal singularity.
The Deli NYC calls paris_monster “a precise, complex and sophisticated mechanism” with a “a monstrous instrumental technique”, delivering a sound that “could be the new face of American roots rock”.
In fall of 2017 paris_monster began recording their first full length LP, set to be released in 2018. The album will solidify their dirty, glitchy, lyric-centered, groove-based sound, and will be a milepost in their search for a focused and flexible musical approach. The elements of funk and soul join with lyrical themes of bygone eras in rural settings, characters lost, and mortality confronted. Love achieved, and denied. Americana. Themes in stark contrast to the pounding grooves and electronic mayhem, creating depths and dimensions that could have been otherwise achieved only by dropping a modular synth in the corn fields of central New York or the woods of Connecticut. And maybe that’s exactly what happened.
Lesley Keller of Pancakes & Whiskey said, “Each time I see them perform I’m dumbfounded at just how great they are”. paris_monster’s live show is something to behold. The challenge when seeing them live is getting past the fact that there are only two people creating all that sound. Two people. A drum set. A bass. A keyboard. A eurorack modular synth. One microphone. And all that sound. Beyond this visual impossibility is a careful and deliberate balance of sounds,colors, and textures. Melodies to serve a story. Chaos to destroy preciousness. The Deli NYC observed, “infallible superior forces: as we all know now, ‘with great power comes great responsibilities,’ and the duo never abuses of it – that’s what good musicianship is.” paris_monster’s full catalogue is available NOW on iTunes. The Deli NYC said of recent release “Ain’t No Movin’ Me”: “… showcases its prowess for hook writing/crafting a track that could stand without accompaniment as a blues-y, spiritual declaration, but is launched into another realm by its bed of synths and echoing choruses. An inspired take on blues folk that’s both hypnotic and engaging.”
https://www.parismonster.com/

WSU BIG JAZZ NIGHT
2018-12-09 18:00 - 22:00
The Wayne State University Jazz Dept features all of their various combos and big bands as a culmination of the end of the first semester.

Sunday Brunch w/ Shawn McDonald
2018-12-09 11:30 - 14:30
Shawn plays blues, boogie-woogie and jazz piano and is a strong vocalist as well. He has toured much of the world with Larry McCray, Alberta Adams, Joe Weaver & Johnnie Bassett & is currently a member of the Dennis Coffey Band.

Evan Mercer Trio
2018-12-08 18:00 - 21:00, 2018-12-01 18:00 - 21:00, 2018-11-17 18:00 - 21:00
Evan Mercer studied at Wayne State University in the Jazz Studies Program and has played piano since he was 5 years old. Having studied under names such as Matt Michaels, Cliff Monear, and Rob Pipho, he offers a fresh perspective on old standards while writing new compositions. Currently he is touring the world with Detroit Soul Diva Bettye LaVette.
Sam Harris on bass & Jake Matthews on drums.

Jeff Cuny Duo
2018-12-07 17:30 - 20:15

MSU Community Music School-Detroit: Spartan Youth Jazz Programs
2018-12-05 19:00 - 22:00
MSU Community Music School-Detroit: Spartan Youth Jazz Programs
This concert features our Spartan Youth Jazz ensembles, an after-school program for high school-aged musicians. It provides high-quality music education from professional Detroit musicians, educators, and entrepreneurs such as Sean Dobbins, Marion Hayden, and others. Classes and rehearsals focus on jazz improvisation, music history, composition, transcription, combo playing, and big band playing. Come out to see our combos, ensembles, and our award-winning Big Band!

Oakland University Jazz Night
2018-12-02 19:30 - 22:30
A formal review of the jazz professors and students that make up OU’s jazz program. The Oakland University Jazz Program provides many opportunities for students. Our Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos, and Contemporary Music Ensemble perform around the Metro Detroit area, and have featured such guest artists as Regina Carter and Doc Holladay. OU offers jazz classes in Jazz Theory, Jazz History and Analysis, and Arranging.
www.oakland.edu/jazz

The Southeastern Music Academy
2018-12-02 17:00 - 19:00
The Southeastern Music Academy has an outstanding music faculty – successful performers with strong academic credentials that perform regularly with professional groups. This is a student jam session. http://southeasternmusicacademy.org/sma-performance-opportunities-cliff-bells/

Ernie Krivda
2018-11-30 21:00
Ernie Krivda is now in his fifth decade as a jazz performer. He is acknowledged by both his peers and jazz critics as one of the world’s great tenor saxophone players and one of the jazz worlds most unique artists.
Tour the site to learn more about upcoming events and listen to sample music. Thank you for visiting and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have!
“Ernie Krivda makes his saxophone sing with musicality. He threatens to snap the listener’s heart in two…” – Ed Enright (Down Beat Magazine)
“The man can’t help but swing…sheer pleasure…” – Stuart Kremsky (IAJRC Journal)
“Krivda possesses an endless flow of melodic ideas that makes everything he plays sound fresh and alive…” – Mike Shanley (JazzTimes, April ’10)

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-11-30 17:30 - 20:15, 2018-11-23 17:30 - 20:15
Jeff is a strong young bassist, who leads this trio as well as being involved with cutting edge Detroit groups like Buffalo Kid and Beartrap. He also keeps busy as the bassist with the Planet D Nonet, the Rhythm Society Orchestra and lots of gigs with Tbone Paxton!

Philippe LeJeune Trio
2018-11-29 20:00
Philippe LeJeune
Jazz Blues & BoogieWoogie
French pianist Philippe LeJeune is a perfect example of the mixture of jazz and blues which was especially an important strain in the jazz tradition. The young pianist attended in 1968 a concert in Reims (France) by master boogie woogie and blues pianist singer Memphis Slim, and immediately put an end to his classical efforts and began teaching himself piano blues, scouring local record shops fort LP’s by boogie woogie greats. In 1980 he was invited by Memphis Slim himself – who had been a parisian citizen since 1962 – to cut an album titled “Dialog In Boogie” as a piano duet.
Philippe Lejeune’s playing creates a strong blues flavor of soulful, swinging jazz. His repertoire reflects the pianist important early influences, honoring the blues ans jazz masters who inspired him when he first began playing jazz. His playing is always a brilliant assortment of sobriety and expressiveness. Philippe LeJeune has a wide repertoire ranging from classic barrelhouse boogie woogie piano to Duke Ellington and Horace Silver tunes as well those of Milt Jackson and Neal Hefti, but he sounds ‘at home’ when playing the blues.
Philippe LeJeune has released six Cds in the United States, among them a live recording in a trio format at the Blue Moon jazz club in Houston TX. He also makes numerous appearances in major festivals including Detroit Jazz Festival, Cincinnati Blues Fest, Monterey Bay Blues Festival, Jazz N’ June Festival in Huntsville AL, Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz CA, Art Tatum Jazz Heritage Festival in Toledo OH, and has been a regular guest of first rate American jazz clubs as Baker’s and CliffBell’s (Detroit MI) and Nighttown (Cleveland OH) … His performance at the Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival (Detroit, 2005) was recorded live to be edited into P.B.S. television specials and DVD.
Living in Toulouse, France, LeJeune has also performed for many years throughout Europe in the jazz festival and blues circuit (France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, The Netherlands) and in Africa (Tunisia, Senegal). As an educator and clinician he has taught workshops in music schools, conservatories of music, and has lead seminars at jazz festivals throughout France and USA. He has been also artistic director for ‘Jazz Au Mercure’ since 2005, a monthly jazz concert serie at Mercure Hotel in Toulouse. Philippe Lejeune’s name was introduced into the famous “New Grove Dictionary of Jazz” (Barry Kernfeld) in 2001.
Philippe LeJeune is doing his part to continue a legacy by blending classic jazz, gospel, blues and boogie woogie, with his own stylings. He explores an impressive variety of blues styles and grooves, leaving listeners with a happy feeling.
www.philippelejeune.com

Sidewalk Chalk & Sam Trump
2018-11-28 20:00
Chicago-based ensemble Sidewalk Chalk transcends genre with a wholly original sound that blends elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. As The Chicago Tribune says, “While many bands strive hard for originality, it’s unlikely that any of them could best Sidewalk Chalk.” Comprised of an MC, vocalist, drummer, bassist, keys player, trombonist and trumpeter, Sidewalk Chalk is driven by an internalized, emphatic statement of purpose, evident in the music from their 2017 release, An Orchid Is Born (Ropeadope Records). This powerhouse group has audiences and critics alike abuzz with excitement, “pushing beyond musical convention to create art that will know no shelf life” (last.fm).
Opening will be Sam Trump a multi-instrumentalist/recording artist/producer from Houston, TX, and has been a student of music from first picking up the trumpet at age 7. Since moving to Chicago in 2009 to obtain his fine arts degree in music, he has become heavily involved in Chicago’s live music scene, and is widely known as a band leader, sideman, mentor, & curator. Wherever he is, Sam Trump is known for creating a vibe that is sophisticated & soulful. Chicago Music Awards nominee for “Best Male Vocalist 2016”. Deemed a “Renaissance Musician” by The Chicago Tribune (2016). Sam Trump is also an original member of the headlining act, Sidewalk Chalk, in which he plays trumpet. Check out Sam Trump’s smooth vocals on his debut album, PURPLE SKIES, found wherever music is streamed and sold online!

Kirsten Carey Songtime Trio
2018-11-25 19:00 - 22:00
Kirsten Carey is a guitarist with a diverse resume, from Joyce-inspired free jazz song cycles to an appearance on hip hop trio clipping.’s song for Rick and Morty. Together with bassist Ben Willis and drummer Jonathan Taylor, Carey’s Songtime Trio will dig into her deep history with jazz by using the “standard trio” as a vehicle to explore everything from Cole Porter to Paul Motian to Kate Bush.

Cliff Bell's Closed for a Private Event
2018-11-24 00:00 - 23:59

Cliff Bell's closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday
2018-11-22 00:00 - 23:59

Speakeasy Sundays w/ Miss Holly Hock
2018-11-18 20:30
November 18th / Doors 7:30 & Show 8:30
$20-$30
Featuring performances by:
Leena Allure
Ruby La Louche
Miss Holly Hock
Mona Minx
Hannah the Hatchet
The Big Icky
Jacque LaBone
Emcee: Lilith Von Tal
Facebook Link https://www.facebook.com/events/473562723136222
Ticket Link: https://speakeasysundaydetroit.eventbrite.com

Sheila Landis BopStop w/ the Phil Hale Trio featuring Rick Matle
2018-11-16 21:00
Sheila Landis sings her own hipster lyrics to jazz classics like Kenny Burrell’s “Midnight” Blue” accompanied by the dynamic Phil Hale Trio and special guest multi-genre guitar-slinger Rick Matle
In homage to, and in the spirit of, those brave and bold scat singers and hipster lyric writers like Eddie Jefferson, Jon Hendricks, Mark Murphy and Kurt Elling, I
Sheila first explored “BopStop Collection” back in 1976 with her own lyrics set to the Oliver Nelson classic “Stolen Moments.” Over the decades she has penned several more, including “Cliff Bell’s” set to the framework of “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” Other jazz tunes that she has written lyrics include “Windows” by Chick Corea, “Speedball” by Lee Morgan, “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery, “Work Song” by Cannonball Adderley, “Midnight Blue” by Kenny Burrell and others.
A spontaneous performance (by audience request) of “My Funny Valentine” at the Rochester Hills Public Library with the Phil Hale Trio set off the fireworks collaboration. This great trio (Phil on keys, John Barron on bass and Djallo on drums) is the perfect vehicle to take the BopStop vision all the way. Of course, no Sheila Landis performance is complete without the soulful addition of guitarist Rick Matle.

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-11-16 17:30 - 20:15
Jeff is a strong young bassist, who leads this trio as well as being involved with cutting edge Detroit groups like Buffalo Kid and Beartrap. He also keeps busy as the bassist with the Planet D Nonet, the Rhythm Society Orchestra and lots of gigs with Tbone Paxton.

Dave Vessella Quartet
2018-11-14 20:00
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.

Michael Hu Quintet
2018-11-11 19:00 - 22:00
Michael an 18 year old Tenor Saxophonist from Metro Detroit (Rochester Hills) currently attending the University of Michigan to pursue Jazz Studies. I recently recorded an album entitled “Loss For Words” which includes originals, as well as two other tunes by great American composers. The goal of the each original/arrangement was to express an emotion that would be hard to explain by simply using words. The band features Josie Ala on trumpet, Louis Jones III on drums, Jonathon Muir-Cotton on bass, and Peyton Miller on vibes. Each one of these musicians is a creative genius in their own respect, and collectively create a unique group sound.

WSU Student Jam
2018-11-11 16:00 - 18:30
Wayne State University jazz students have an open jam session, open to all.

Sunday Brunch w/ Jarrod Champion
2018-11-11 11:30 - 14:30
“His roots are deep in Detroit, when he sits in front of the keys, Jarrod Champion’s sound makes its way to the south, over in the Dixieland and Delta.” WDET, Culture City Weekend.

Evan Mercer Trio
2018-11-10 18:00 - 21:00
Evan Mercer studied at Wayne State University in the Jazz Studies Program and has played piano since he was 5 years old. Having studied under names such as Matt Michaels, Cliff Monear, and Rob Pipho, he offers a fresh perspective on old standards while writing new compositions. Currently he is touring the world when with Detroit Soul Diva Bettye LaVette.
Sam Harris on bass & Jake Matthews on drums.

Jeff Cuny Trio
2018-11-09 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, the Planet D Nonet.
