First Flight

Ann Arbor bassplayer Eileen Bristol founded First Flight in 2008. She found that there were many bands playing straight ahead, latin or smooth jazz, but not much in the way of jazz funk - music that makes you want to dance. And, when West African entertainer Ibrahim Aminou joined the band in 2009, he brought the rich musical traditions of Africa to the stage - talking drum, djembe, conga, electric guitar and African Xylophone. The strong soloing style of the two horn players reflects their eclectic musical tastes. Audience comments include -" I love watching you play - it is obvious you are having a great time" ... "Wow, your sax player is amazing!" ... "Ibrahim is a true entertainer. ... " "You guys are sweet!" First Flight has built a strong following at Baker's Keyboard Lounge in Detroit, filling the house. Their list of original tunes keeps growing and the 70's jazzfunk standards they choose from the likes of Les McCann, Grant Green, Herbie Hancock, and Freddie Hubbard are definite crowd pleasers.