Sean Dobbins Modern Jazz Messengers

Sean Dobbins has been a standout jazz drummer in southeastern Michigan since 2000, known for his inventiveness and lively spirit. His Modern Jazz Messengers group honors Art Blakey and Blue Note’s classic hard and post-bop sounds, with a lineup representing three generations: baby boomer bassist Marion Hayden, ’80s vibraphonist Robert Pipho, and Gen-X players Dobbins, pianist Steve Richko, and alto saxophonist Dean Moore. Moore’s alto playing stood out with a tone somewhat reminiscent of Kenny Garrett but developing its own voice. The set mixed Wayne Shorter compositions from the Blakey repertoire with tunes by Cedar Walton, Tom Harrell, Clare Fischer, and a creative arrangement of Chick Corea’s “Humpty Dumpty.” Dobbins contributed one original, the energetic waltz “Modern Jazz Messengers.” The concert captured the spirit of hard bop with rich jazz textures and a strong ensemble feel.