Since 1987, when they started playing together at the Bird of Paradise Jazz Club in Ann Arbor, Paul Keller and Cary Kocher have been crafting a signature approach to the small group. Beyond the bebop tradition, where the repertoire is mostly a vehicle for soloing, they have embraced popular songcraft, big band arranging, and even symphonic tradition in their work. The result is a “new” but familiar sound where great solos are nestled in a wider presentation. As both singer and clarinetist, Sarah D’Angelo is the friendly face of that aesthetic. Owing to her musical skill and effervescent charm, she is beloved by her bandmates and her audiences alike. Adam Mosley and Ralph Tope share an aw-shucks demeanor that belies their preternatural musicianship, completing the vision.

Paul Keller is a veteran bassist, composer, arranger and leader known locally as Michigan’s “House Bassist” while also playing nationally and beyond. Detroit jazz heroes Bess Bonnier, Tom Saunders, Larry Nozero and more relied on him in his earlier years. Diana Krall, John Pizzarelli, Russell Malone and Eddie Higgins have taken him around the world. He leads the Paul Keller Orchestra, performing every Monday at the Zal Gaz Grotto in Ann Arbor. He also commands the stage of the famous London Chop House (Detroit) every Thursday. More at www.paulkellerjazz.com.

Vibraphonist Cary Kocher has been collaborating with Keller for decades. Cary taught music in the Ann Arbor Schools and at the U of M before his recent retirement. Outside the jazz world, he plays with the Ann Arbor Symphony and the Detroit Opera and is an enthusiastic participant in the annual Burning Man event.

Sarah D’Angelo hails from Jamestown, NY. She earned a Master’s degree in clarinet performance at the U-M. Until meeting Keller–and being pulled to “The Dark Side”–she was pursuing a symphonic career, and instead has excelled as one of Michigan’s most skilled and adored singers. Her clarinet skills are her secret “superpower”. She has recorded five CDs with Keller and recently led her own recorded project, Medicine Man. 

Adam Mosley studied piano in North Carolina and Tennessee, where his mentor Alex Graham lured him to Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel for several seasons of post-graduate work. Adam is a clever musical wit, with remarkable ears and photographic memory, tremendous gifts belied by an aw-shucks humility on- and offstage. You’re sure to notice the influence of Errol Garner, Oscar Peterson, Nat “King” Cole and George Shearing in his virtuosic playing. Adam is recently married; he and Jessica have a new home in Ypsilanti.

Ralph Tope is recognized as Detroit’s leading jazz guitarist. He brings to the ensemble the joyful spirit of his guitar heroes Oscar Moore, Herb Ellis, Barney Kessell, Wes Montgomery and Bucky Pizzarelli. Ralph’s cheerful personality shines through into his happy and bouyant music. That’s why America loves him!