CiTR

We continue our May series on short-lived bands. This one was exceptional and actually made two fine recordings for Blue Note Records at the end of the 60s. Pianist Kenny Cox is one of the many fine pianists who came out of Detroit but he is lesser known as he remained in that city. He did travel around the country for many years as singer Etta Jones' accompanist and arranger but she was the star. Kenny Cox decided to form this band and build a repertoire. The style of the group was influenced by Miles Davis' Second Quintet of the 6os but this band had it's own distinctive quality. Tonight's Jazz feature is their first date on Blue Note and it was met by excellent critical acclaim. The musicians involved in the Contemporary Jazz Quintet were of course all Detroit based players and were appreciated locally and had a fair amount of work in that city. On trumpet was Charles Moore, Leon Henderson is on tenor saxophone and yes he's Joe Henderson's younger brother! On bass is Ron Brooks and on drums, the dynamic Danny Spencer. The repertoire is by Kenny Cox (two tunes), Leon Henderson (two tunes), Charles Moore (one tune) and Detroit pianist Dave Durrah (one tune). Check out The Contemporary Jazz Quintet tonight and you won't believe your ears!