Joshua Redman has long been a favorite Saxophonist of mine. His album “Wish” was an early influence on my playing and inspired years of dedicated practice. Besides his warm, singing tone and his elegantly whimsical and effortless altissimo, it was…
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Mar 2 2023
Michigan Jazz Festival Webinar
I am honored to be on a panel discussing careers in music. Despite being humbled, I do feel I have acquired some knoweldge, insight and wisdom that may be helpful to folks wanting to make a career in the music…
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Jul 1 2021
The HSQ is Back!
The Hughes-Smith Quintet will be playing a week at THE DIRTY DOG JAZZ CAFE! Come on out and celebrate life with us!!!
July 14, 15, 16, & 17...seating starts at 6pm
Reservations highly recommended
View details and make reservations here…
Read moreJun 15 2020
Stitt's It!
I have moved on to phase TWO of my transcription project: SONNY STITT
I have started off with a relatively easy blues (in Db) to get a baseline of some of Sonny's language. "Blues for Pres, Sweets, Ben, and All…
Read moreApr 30 2020
In The Woodshed
I am in the middle of a transcription project inspired by NYC pianist/educator David Hazeltine. His method of solo transcription and analysis has intrigued me for a while, but I have never had the time to dive into it until…
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Dec 4 2019
Honoring the Music of CURTIS FULLER
Our monthly Cliff Bells Jam will honor the music of trombone legend CURTIS FULLER.
We play at Cliff Bells on Wednesday Dec 4, 8-11:30pm.
Jimmy Smith and I are very excited to be welcoming Detroit's own Vincent Chandler to our…
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Nov 6 2019
The Music of Herbie Hancock
This month at Cliff Bells we will be offering up a set of music featuring 1960s compositions by vanguard pianist HERBIE HANCOCK.
As many of you know, Jimmy Smith and I host a monthly jam on the first Wednesday at…
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Oct 1 2019
Joe Henderson LIVE AT THE LIGHTHOUSE
The "James & Jimmy" Jam is back! After a summer long hiatus, we have regrouped and are ready to come out swinging!
It was sad to see our Wednesday home at The Black Lotus fold up, but it provided us…
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Jun 17 2019
New Recording!
"The Gates" is out!
My new sextet record is finally out. I collaborated with Jimmy Smith (trumpet, DET) and John Yao (trombone, NYC).
Backing us up is a swinging rhythm section: Corey Kendrick (piano), Jeff Pedraz (bass), and Nick Collins…
Read moreNov 26 2018
There Goes Another Year
Time seems to run downhill after September and 2018 is coming to a close. We have one more month to complete....er, close the gap....ok, maybe start some of those New Year's resolutions from eleven months ago. Let me tell how…
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Aug 28 2018
2018 Detroit Jazz Festival
The HSQ is super excited to be playing a set at the Detroit Jazz Festival! Everyone in the quintet has had a very busy year and involved in many diverse endeavors that we don't get to play together as much…
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