Lifelong pals RJ Spangler & Tbone Paxton started collaborating in 1980 with the dynamic Sun Messengers band. Back then Tbone even won a Detroit Music Award for best trombonist. Since then he’s also become quite an engaging singer, evidenced by his 2017 nomination as Outstanding Jazz Vocalist at the Detroit Music Awards. He & RJ have backed many touring New Orleans artists, including Eddie Bo, Johnny Adams and Earl King, so the music of NOLA is always prominent in their performances, from trad jazz to R&B.