Phil Ranelin

Phil Ranelin is a trombonist deeply rooted in the J.J. Johnson tradition, raised in Indianapolis and later a key part of Detroit’s jazz and Motown scenes during the late 60s and early 70s. He shared stages with notable jazz musicians like Freddie Hubbard and Ella Fitzgerald.

At the May 26, 2018 concert at Cliff Bell’s, Ranelin was joined by pianist Rod Williams, bassist Jaribu Shahid and drummer Djallo Djakate, delivering a set influenced by decades of musical history. The $10 show celebrated his contributions as a rare cultural treasure in jazz and Motown history.