Introducing: The Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet

What do these musicians have in common: Wardell Gray, Joe Henderson, Yusef Lateef, Thad, Elvin, and Hank Jones, Betty Carter, Howard McGhee and Marcus Belgrave? They are all legendary jazz musicians from Detroit who were born elsewhere. Some were raised in Detroit, while others moved there later in their lives. This phenomenon dates to the Great Migration of the early 20th century and continues due to a vibrant music scene and nationally diverse collegiate jazz programs in Metropolitan Detroit. Less than two miles south of Detroit is Windsor, Ontario, Canada also known as "South Detroit." This is where Russ Macklem, the latest tornado of a trumpeter who has taken Detroit by storm, is from. After a short period of time, Macklem has become a highly sought after trumpet king of the Detroit jazz scene. As a sideman and band leader he performs with Detroit Jazz all-stars in the finest venues the city has to offer. Over the last year, he has led and composed music for The Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet, having created a chemistry that has been documented here for you to witness: it is truly a special moment in time.

Introducing: The Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet features four Detroit jazz lions: Kasan Belgrave (son of Marcus Belgrave), alto saxophone; Jordan Anderson, piano; Noah Jackson, bass; and Louis Jones III, drums. It is a suite featuring a series of vignettes, opened and closed by "The Coyote."

1. "The Coyote pt. 1"—During the Christmas Holiday in 2017, with his marriage on the rocks, Russ and his now former wife went to visit his parents at their home on Lake Erie. It was that night that she told him she "could never see him doing anything with his life and that he would never be successful in any way" and that he "is a failure" and that she "doesn't want to be with him anymore." This bitter, malice-filled tyrade all from a woman who he loved probably more than life itself. Demoralized and devastated, he took his beloved old golden retriever Arthur away from the suite where they normally stayed, and went into the main house. After pouring himself a large glass of tequila, he sat with his pal Arthur on the couch. They both stared though the big rear windows out at the vast sheets of ice on the lake. As he and Arthur sat there, a coyote appeared about twenty feet from the window and stared at them for what seemed like forever, then wandered off into the barren winter landscape, alone. The plodding ostinato and brooding melody of "The Coyote" began ringing in his broken being, immortalizing the moment in his soul.

2. "I Will Persevere"—is about pushing ahead despite terrible circumstances. It reveals the tenacity and grit needed to keep going. The song is in three parts: taking on the challenge, the journey of going through that challenge, and surviving under the adversity of that challenge. Each return to the opening theme is the renewal of a vow to keep going.

3. "Nostalgia: For a Past Life"—is a song Macklem composed in 2007 when visiting his hometown of Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada. His family had a window with a view of the mountains across the lake. While looking out that window, Macklem lamented about how wonderful it could have been to have a life there: a five-minute walk to a beach surrounded by mountains; a paradise where you can go hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. A beautiful place, but a place with not much music. "Nostalgia: For a Past Life," expresses the sadness of never being able to return to the life he once knew as a child.

4. "Theme for Detroit"—pays homage and shows gratitude for the musicians of Detroit who welcomed him with open arms. For Macklem, Detroit is a gift! It is his finishing school for honing skills and learning new things, including history specific to and through the lens of Detroit. It has shaped his musical perspective in every way. Theme for Detroit showcases the intensity and life force that people play with in Detroit. It is also a beautiful platform for musicians to showcase their style, as Macklem made sure not to hinder the freedom of expression by overwriting.

5. "O.K. Valley"—Short for Okanagan Valley, is a three-part form. The first part reflects the relaxed vibe of the Okanagan Valley; imagine sitting on the beach on a warm beautiful day, looking up at the mountains and listening to the conversations and activities of your neighbors. The second part reflects Macklem's journey back and forth over the years. The third part morns what was once a simple place, now mostly a tourist attraction for the wealthy.

6. "Mr. Anderson"—is a tribute to pianist, Jordan Anderson. It responds to experiences they have shared together and apart. It is also a tribute to Anderson's tenacity and grit. Macklem also admires his humility, determination and openness. The business of the melody is a bit of tongue-in-cheek jab at Anderson, a brilliant young man that has the tendency to be long-winded.

7. "The Coyote pt. 2"—returns down a whole-step in tonality with no less pain, fading into the ether. The trauma we suffer reshape who we are. Life goes on but a broken heart never truly heals. Fortunately, Macklem's life is saved by the therapeutic properties of his music. We are all blessed by the storytelling and artistic display of Introducing the Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet. From this day fourth you will know Russ Macklem as being FROM THE "D!"

Liner Notes copyright © 2025 Vincent Chandler.

Introducing: The Russ Macklem Detroit Quintet can be purchased here.

Contact Vincent Chandler at All About Jazz.
Vincent Chandler is a jazz trombonist, composer, arranger, band leader, mentor, and professor of jazz studies at Wayne State University, Vincent Chandler was born in Detroit.

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