Eleanor Rigby
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Joe Syrian on NPR Hawaiian Jazz Radio
Motor City Jazz Octet
What is the Motor City Jazz Octet?
The Motor City Jazz Octet is a highly-regarded jazz band based in the Detroit metropolitan area.
The musicians of the Motor City Jazz Octet are some of the finest in Detroit. They can be found performing in the best clubs, theaters and concert venues in the area. Each player has his own following of respectful peers, avid music fans and interested students . They play because they love the music.
The Motor City Jazz Octet specializes in all forms of American jazz music including Dixieland, Jazz-Rock, Swing, Blues, Be-Bop, Latin-Jazz, Smooth Jazz and others.
Who is the Motor City Jazz Octet?
The Motor City Jazz Octet, at any one time, is made up of eight members. However, the band is actually made up of a larger artistic network of professionals and the specific number of artists present varies from performance to performance. The Octet draws its members from the very best professional musicians in Detroit and selects them for performances based on individual specialties and availability. The artists in the band are from such prestigious institutions as the Fox Theatre Orchestra, the Fisher Theatre, and symphonies of the area and some are former Motown performers and/or professors at major universities.
| Artist | Instrument |
|---|---|
| Ernie Matchulat | Tenor Saxophone |
| Dave Jennings | Trumpet |
| Mike Skrzynski | Trumpet |
| Ernie Skuta | Trumpet |
| Patrick Hession | Trumpet |
| Jimmy Smith | Trumpet |
| Leo Harrison | Trombone |
| Ron Kischuk | Trombone |
| Mike Rumbell | Trombone |
| George Troia | Trombone |
| Mark Berger | Baritone/Alto Saxophone |
| Ernie Rodgers | Baritone/Alto Saxophone |
| Steve Wood | Baritone/Alto Saxophone |
| George Benson | Saxophone |
| Rick Margitza | Saxophone |
| Brian Romeo | Saxophone |
| Mike Hiemstra | Saxophone |
| John Hammer | Piano |
| Bill Meyer | Piano |
| Gary Schunk | Piano |
| Steve Carryer | Guitar |
| Ron English | Guitar |
| Peter Tolias | Guitar |
| Kris Kurzawa | Guitar |
| Don Lewandowski | Bass |
| Andrew Lloyd | Bass |
| Dan Pliskow | Bass |
| Marion Hayden | Bass |
| Joe Syrian |
Drums |