Sean Dobbins Modern Jazz Messengers

Sean Dobbins has been one of the busiest drummers on the Southeastern Michigan jazz scene in the first decade of the 21st century, known for his inventive and playful style. Moving beyond his work with the Urban Transport combo, Dobbins and his Modern Jazz Messengers pay tribute to Art Blakey and the Blue Note hard and post-bop jazz musicians of the 1960s, who influenced multiple generations. The group includes bassist Marion Hayden from the baby boomer generation, vibraphonist Robert Pipho from the '80s, and Gen-X members Dobbins, pianist Steve Richko, and alto saxophonist Dean Moore. Moore stood out with a Kenny Garrett-inspired alto sound that’s developing its own voice. Their set featured Wayne Shorter tunes like “One by One” and “Ping Pong,” plus unexpected takes on Cedar Walton, Tom Harrell, Clare Fischer, and Chick Corea’s “Humpty Dumpty.” The title track, an original waltz by Dobbins, highlighted Moore. The concert was a solid and faithful effort that respected the hard bop tradition with some fresh interpretations.