Smooth grooves. Searing solos. Lush chords. Funky rhythms.
These are the trademarks of the Best in Contemporary JazFunk. And these are the words that describe the sounds of Detour, Chicago’s preeminent contemporary jazz quartet. They take their listeners on a journey off the well worn path of those artists considered to be today’s cutting edge “smooth jazz,” by adding a touch of genuine old school funk and soul into their mix. Detour embarks on a musical voyage that offers something fresh, yet familiar to everyone, not just the jazz lover in you.
Detour consists of guitarist/vocalist Phillip Seed, drummer/vocalist Ben “Jammin” Johnson, and bassist Kenery Kent Smith. They round out their ranks by enlisting the talents of the industry’s freshest and finest keyboardists, including producer/keyboardists Tim Gant (Poi Dog), Chris Rob (John Legend), Mike Logan (Will Downing, Tyler Perry), and Kevin Randolph (Ramsey Lewis).
Throughout the Midwest music scene and beyond, Detour has brought their particular brand of Jazfunk to some of Chicago’s most popular venues, including The Jazz Bulls, The Park West, The Backroom, House of Blues Chicago and Green Dolphin Street. They have also performed at many of the Midwest’s major musical, social, and cultural events, such as the Wisconsin Afro Fest, the annual Taste of Chicago, An Expo For Today’s Black Woman, the 2001 Juneteenth Festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Gerald Albright, Will Downing, and Wayman Tisdale, opening for Con Funk Shun and the Isley Brothers at the Rainbow/Push fundraiser concert for Luther Vandross, held at the Chicago Theater in May, 2003. Detour performed as headliners along side smooth jazz saxophonists Marion Meadows and fellow Chicago native Steve Cole at the Omaha Jazz, Blues & Gospel Festival in August of 2005, and at the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Fest in St. Joseph Missouri in 2006 and 2008. Detour has also opened shows for some of jazz’ greatest legends, including recent performances at the new Country Club Theater in Country Club Hills, Illinois with Chicago saxophonist Audley Reid as an opener for Ramsey Lewis, and with local Neo soul diva Lisa Aziza as the opening act for Miss Nancy Wilson.
Detour’s debut CD, entitled Detour JazFunk was released in January of 2002 to critical acclaim by both their peers and listeners alike. They have also recorded and performed with many local and national artists, contributing original tracks and solid performances to projects including Liquid Soul trumpeter Ron Haynes, and R&B vocalist Kevin Chandler’s respective debut CDs. They have performed with major artists ranging from Rachelle Ferrell to Patti LaBelle, from Lee Ritnour to Ashford and Simpson. And they have collectively and individually worked with such musical luminaries as trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Steve Cole, bassists Bill “Buddha” Dickens and T.M. Stevens, R&B vocalists Chaka Khan and Mikki Howard, former Erykah Badu vocalist and Neo-Soul diva Yahzarah, and comedian /actor Bernie Mac. Detour’s musical style, on stage chemistry, and flavorful repertoire have made their performances a must see event for those who like to groove, JazFunk style. So come and take a fresh Detour from the old musical norm.
Read more...