Tbone Paxton & RJ Spangler

Tbone Paxton, a trombonist and vocalist, and RJ Spangler, a drummer, have been working together since the 1980s when they toured with the Sun Messengers from the East Coast through the Deep South to the Midwest. Both are multiple Detroit Music Awards winners and founding members of the Planet D Nonet. Their gig at Cliff Bell’s featured a stripped-down quartet presenting material from their new album, blending New Orleans jazz and R&B styles with classic American songbook favorites. Matt LoRusso played guitar and Jeff Cuny was on upright bass. The event was free.