MACK AVENUE SUPER BAND

The Mack Avenue SuperBand is a fiery, celebratory conglomeration, the sort of chemistry experiment whose success is predicated on its combustibility. The group brings together legends and label mainstays including vibraphonist Gary Burton, guitarist Kevin Eubanks, alto saxophonist Tia Fuller, trumpeter Sean Jones and guitarist Evan Perri; along with rising stars like pianist Alfredo Rodríguez and vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The band is anchored by the house rhythm section of pianist Aaron Diehl, drummer Carl Allen and bassist Rodney Whitaker (who also serves as musical director). Al Pryor, Mack Avenue EVP of A&R and the record’s producer, acknowledges the challenge inherent in bringing such a loaded roster together on one stage, calling the impressive result “a team effort.” Emphasizing the tight- knit dynamic and Detroit pride of the Mack Avenue team and the experience of the Detroit Jazz Festival’s skilled crew, Pryor says that the concert’s ultimate success was due read more...