Claude Black & the Detroit Bebop Tradition makes live CD Nov. 17 in Toledo, OH

Toledo's “own" Claude Black, one of a crop of great jazz pianists nurtured in Detroit during the Bebop era, will tape his second CD, Claude Black, his piano & The Detroit Connection, in a concert/recording session at Murphy's Place in Toledo, Thursday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. Schooled in Detroit, Claude ranks among a select company of pianists that includes Tommy Flanagan, Barry Harris, and Sir Roland Hannah. All are celebrated for their inexhaustible innovation, propulsive rhythms, and perceptive chordings. For his upcoming CD, Claude has chosen to share the stage with some of his favorite players, all “super stars" in their own right. Among them will be jazz artists who performed with him at this fall's Detroit International Jazz Fest. They include saxophonist George Benson, another Detroit bebop-area alum; trombonist Vincent Chandler, former member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; Detroit trumpeter Dwight Adams; drummer Wendell Robinson; and bassist Jeff Halsey.

Former keyboardist for Aretha Franklin, Claude has toured and performed throughout the United States and in Europe, Canada, and the Islands. Since the mid 1970s, he has made his home base in Toledo, where jazz fans know him as a regular member of the Murphys at Murphy's Place. He also makes special appearances at other venues in Toledo, Detroit, and elsewhere. Doors open at 5 with pre-show dining served before 7 p.m. Tickets for the event are $25, $20, and $15.

Forinformation, email [email protected].

Proceeds go to the Toledo Jazz Society/Claude Black Project, earmarked to help support TJS educational projects, as were profits from the sale of Claude's first CD, The Nature of Jazz.