Jazz album explores unexpected elements
Michael Doyle, the leader of the Grand Rapids super-group, is set to perform at SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday with a new album in the works. This group, Evidence Jazz, is known for their original, modern mainstream jazz compositions. Doyle’s passion for jazz has deep roots, sparked by the influences of iconic musicians like Miles Davis and John Coltrane. His interest in the unpredictable nature of jazz led him to embrace saxophone and explore the unexpected in music.
The band, consisting of talented musicians like pianist Steve Talaga and drummer Fred Knapp, aims to showcase their unique sound through their music. Doyle emphasizes the importance of originality in their compositions, stating that repeating what has already been done holds little appeal to them. Instead, they want to convey their musical voices and demonstrate their artistry through original pieces.
Evidence Jazz has an upcoming album titled “Live in Session at Blue Lake” that is scheduled for release later this fall. The band recorded this album live in April at Blue Lake Public Radio Studios as part of Lazaro Vega’s radio show. The tracks will be featured on this week’s Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase, showcasing the fresh and innovative music produced by Evidence Jazz. Their mission with this album is to introduce new compositions that highlight the group’s creativity and talent.
Doyle’s musical journey began in the Bronx, New York City, where he was exposed to a variety of musical genres thanks to his parents’ eclectic tastes. He honed his skills in jazz workshops in New York City and continued his music education at institutions like the Armed Forces School of Music, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians and established Evidence Jazz in 1994 to fulfill his artistic vision.
The band’s commitment to sharing their original music with live audiences drives their performances. They aim to connect with listeners by presenting their material and demonstrating their creativity. Although they occasionally encounter requests for well-known jazz standards, Doyle believes in the importance of showcasing fresh, new music to engage audiences and expand their musical horizons.
The Michigan Music Showcase radio podcast recently debuted tracks from Evidence Jazz’s upcoming album, offering listeners a glimpse into their innovative sound. The show also featured music by other Michigan artists, showcasing the diverse talent present in the local music scene. With their upcoming performance at SpeakEZ Lounge, Evidence Jazz is set to captivate audiences with their all-original material and musical charm, presenting an evening of unforgettable jazz music.