Allan Barnes

For over 40 years,the legendary Allan Barnes, a gifted instrumentalist, a talented composer, and a charismatic performer has created a series of recordings of unparalleled rhythmic and harmonic mastery. Allan Barnes although best known for his breakthrough pioneer Jazz fusion sounds with The Blackbyrds and the song "Walking In Rhythm", has stayed true to straight ahead jazz. He has played around the world with Donald Byrd, Pharaoh Saunders, Grant Green ,Sonny Rollins, Nina Simone, Lee Oscar, and Milt Jackson. He has come full circle as he recorded a live CD at the 75th anniversary of Detroit's Baker's Keyboard Lounge, the world's oldest jazz club. He starred in the 2010 Rockwell Pictures "Saxophone Player"

Giant Steps is a compilation of Detroit's finest jazz band leaders. Giant Steps plays the music of the jazz legends yet the songs never lose their freshness. Cliff Monear's piano sound is as distinctive as it is gorgeous, MSU professor Sunny Wilkinson's vocals spins a wide range of emotions into a unique style, showcasing musical influences from around the world. Rayse Biggs Trumpet has great tone and that Latin flare that cascades with ease through melodic runs and the group is anchored by the Grammy nominated unique pocket drummer Gayelynn McKinney and the incomparable bassness of Nick Calandro Jr. Giant Steps melds the educational with the inspirational in its tributes to American Jazz Greats.