The Alluvion Jazz Series Presents: Robin Connell & Paul Brewer Septet

Robin Connell and Paul Brewer bring an eclectic mix of their original jazz compositions  and arrangements to The Alluvion. Their top flight septet for this special occasion includes musicians that are both internationally renowned as well as regional favorites. Experience this all-star band In an exploration of harmony, contrapuntal lines, rhythmic grooves, and instrumental colors.

Well known across west Michigan as instrumental and vocal performers, married musicians Robin and  Paul are also commissioned composers with often performed works, some of which are recorded by the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. They each have a Doctorate of Music  (theory and composition), met as summer faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp, and live in Grand Rapids.

The Band:

Robin Connell, piano

Paul Brewer, trombone

Rob Smith, trumpet

Laurie Sears, alto sax, clarinet, flute

Bill Sears, tenor sax 

Matt Brewer, bass

Robin Connell and Paul Brewer bring an eclectic mix of their original jazz compositions and arrangements to The Alluvion. Their top flight Octet includes musicians of internationally renowned as well as regional favorites, in an exploration of harmony, contrapuntal lines, rhythmic grooves, instrumental colors, and vocal interpretation.

Jazz pianist-singer, Robin Connell, the Artprize 2016 jazz music award recipient, and the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2017 Musician of the Year, follows in the tradition of singer‐pianists Diana Krall, and Blossom Dearie, tickling the ivories with original arrangements of time honored jazz standards. Originally from Detroit, she honed her craft in New York City, at places such as The Waldorf-Astoria, bringing the sophistication of The Great American Songbook to life in her own charming and inimitable way.

Robin’s compositions reflect her love of the quirky (Carla Bley), joyously soulful (Mingus), and fusion jazz of her youth (Joe Sample). A former student of Bob Brookmeyer, Don Sebesky and other NYC based jazz composers, with several commissioned and published works, she recently began composing again after a several year hiatus.

‘Connell is nimble at the piano in her clever arrangements’

– Anna Kisselgoff, The New York Times

"First call trombonist," Paul Brewer has appeared in concert with over fifty major artists, such as Mel Torme, Lena Horne, and The Temptations. He performs with, and composes for, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra and continues to be ‘first call trombonist’ with touring shows and regional jazz musicians. ‘J & K – Trombone Tribute’ is his homage to the great jazz trombonists, JJ Johnson and Kai Winding, and includes their well-crafted original arrangements.

A prolific composer with a decidedly contrapuntal approach and colorful orchestrations, Paul continues to write for jazz big band and small ensembles. His influences include Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter, Bob Brookmeyer, and Maria Schneider. He recently retired from Aquinas College where he was Director of Bands. 

‘Paul’s weighty but smooth trombone, standards, original compositions, and fascinating stories [all] make for an interesting and entertaining evening!’

– West MI Jazz Society

This will be a fully seated listening room style show.

Want to stay in the loop for upcoming Alluvion shows and events? Be the first to know what’s happening next by signing up for our email updates here: Join our email list