Jazz Spaces & Places
Detroit Jazz Preservaton Concert Series
Trombonist Vincent Chandler doesn’t want to be called an historian, but he proudly identifies himself as a “Detroit jazz preservationist.” The Detroit native and Wayne State University Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies curates 
the monthly Detroit Jazz Preservation Concert Series on WSU’s campus with a goal of sonic preservation, stating “I'm not gonna lecture in the concerts, because I want people to hear the music.” The series was born after Chandler’s experience teaching a graduate jazz history class, in which he used Mark Stryker's Jazz from Detroit as a textbook. Instead of sending students to iTunes or YouTube to stream the music, he wondered, “can these students leave this class and go to a jazz club and hear this music?” Chandler aimed to go beyond talking about Detroit jazz, by creating a platform for Detroit musicians to play Detroit jazz.
Now in its third iteration, this year’s series recently launched with a concert by the Ian Finkelstein Trio, performing the music of the late, great Geri Allen, with whom Finkelstein studied at the University of Michigan. In previous years, Chandler has done much of the heavy lifting himself – transcribing and arranging music, leading the band, performing, and promoting. Some of the highlights include performances celebrating the music of Joe Henderson, Betty Carter, and Milt Jackson. Chandler says “the most successful concert was when I did the music of Paul Chambers…I didn't even know Paul Chambers had written enough tunes to do a set of his music. And I had Robert Hurst and Rodney Whittaker on the stage together. That's pretty special.” This year Chandler will also include concerts by current Detroit musicians showcasing their original compositions, in addition to the tribute concerts that have made the series a success.
Another goal of the Detroit Jazz Preservation Concert Series is to bring Detroit jazz musicians who primarily play in late night clubs to a stage that is accessible to all. Performances are free, the start time is early, parking is free and plentiful, and the venue is comfortable. With the support of Wayne State University, Chandler has developed an important opportunity for long-time audiences of Detroit jazz to hear up-and-coming homegrown musicians performing the Detroit lineage, from past to present.
Upcoming concerts include:
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. Schaver Music Recital Hall For more information: |