Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world, comes the groundbreaking jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers.
Straight Ahead was introduced to the world as a finalist in the “Sony Innovators” competition, a national competition recognizing exceptional performers in the jazz field. They received international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including Kem, Jean Luc Ponty, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, the Yellowjackets and Dianne Reeves.
With 5 recordings to its credit, Straight Ahead has established itself as one of jazz’s most enduring and prolific groups. The group’s first two recordings for Atlantic Jazz “Look StraightAhead” and “Body and Soul”, produced by legendary drummer/producer Lenny White made the BillboardContemporary Jazz Chart “Top 20”. “Dance of the ForestRain” their evocative 3rdrelease for Atlantic, produced by Bob Belden, featured guest appearances by Kenny Garrett, Brazillian percussionist Guillerme Franco and guitarist Farid Haque. “CityCuts” includes fresh takes on Stevie Wonder’s classic “You Got It Bad” and the Stylistics “People Make the World Go ‘Round”. The latest release, “Still Swinging” includes original works from the band as well as compositions from saxophonist Jimmy Heath and the late master percussionist/composer Roy Brooks.
These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews.
Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!
Out of Detroit’s lively jazz scene, which has produced some of the best musicians in the world, comes the groundbreaking jazz group Straight Ahead. A group of strong, inventive instrumentalists and vocalists, they have shown themselves to be powerful and imaginative composers and arrangers.
Straight Ahead was introduced to the world as a finalist in the “Sony Innovators” competition, a national competition recognizing exceptional performers in the jazz field. They received international exposure when they were invited to open for the legendary Nina Simone at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland. The ensemble has shared the concert stage with a who’s who of the music world including Kem, Jean Luc Ponty, Nancy Wilson, Roy Ayers, Tony Bennett, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Max Roach, the Yellowjackets and Dianne Reeves.
With 5 recordings to its credit, Straight Ahead has established itself as one of jazz’s most enduring and prolific groups. The group’s first two recordings for Atlantic Jazz “Look StraightAhead” and “Body and Soul”, produced by legendary drummer/producer Lenny White made the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart “Top 20”. “Dance of the Forest Rain” their evocative 3rdrelease for Atlantic, produced by Bob Belden, featured guest appearances by Kenny Garrett, Brazillian percussionist Guillerme Franco and guitarist Farid Haque. “City Cuts” includes fresh takes on Stevie Wonder’s classic “You Got It Bad” and the Stylistics “People Make the World Go ‘Round”. The latest release, “Still Swinging” includes original works from the band as well as compositions from saxophonist Jimmy Heath and the late master percussionist/composer Roy Brooks.
These Grammy-nominated recording artists have travelled extensively in the United States, the Caribbean and Europe garnering rave reviews.
Joy, Power, Love, Wisdom…..Magic! This is the sound of what is to come. This is Straight Ahead!