Dmitri Matheny Group JAZZ NOIR
Michigan Tour Diary — Day 15
April 25 Detroit
On the final night of our Michigan Tour we performed at one of the oldest jazz clubs
in the heart of Detroit's historic entertainment district: the legendary Cliff Bell's.
What a night!
Cliff Bell's fulfilled my fantasy of what a music venue should be.
The lavish 1930s Art Deco decor and swanky supper club atmosphere
set exactly the right tone for an evening of live jazz.
From the moment we arrived, each member of the professional staff
(door man, hostess, manager, bartender, waiters, everyone)
greeted us warmly and put us at ease. They treated us with courtesy and respect
throughout the evening, thanked us for the music, and paid us in cash.
The menu was spectacular and the band dined gratis.
I had the shrimp and grits with roasted chilies.
Spicy, creamy, delicious.
After dinner, we played to a full house of enthusiastic patrons,
mostly couples dressed to the nines. Our sound man Alex really took care of business.
The band did not disappoint.
According to drummer Sean Dobbins, I'm now an honorary Detroiter.
I feel honored, indeed. As my friend Joan Belgrave so eloquently stated,
'Ain't no swang like Dee-troit swang.'