Saxophonist Lynn Speakman, now living in Pittsburgh, makes a rare trip back to Ann Arbor to assemble this band of mentors, mentees, and dear friends. The Lynn Speakman Generations Quintet is the culmination of Lynn’s deep care for relationships and mentorship both on and off the band stand. The quintet will perform original music written by Lynn and other members of the band.

Lynn’s music draws inspiration from the Julian “Cannonball” Adderley Quintet, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and the late, great Jimmy Heath; as well as modern day musicians and composers such as Christian McBride, Rodney Whitaker, and Roy Hargrove. It has been described as hard swinging, soulful, and thoughtful music. Every composition has a story, from songs about loved ones, to songs attempting to express the emotions of a shared human circumstance.

• Lynn Speakman, alto sax
• Kris Johnson, trumpet
• Rick Roe, piano
• Liany Mateo, bass
• David Alvarez III, drums