“Back In Town” features an eight piece Blues, R & B, Jazz and Classic Rock band spotlighting our soulful singer, Yaminah Brock, backed by an accomplished three piece horn section with members, Brian Carlon, Terry Donn, and Kurt Schelling, a solid bass player, Frank Ossiff, our hard-driving drummer, Tom Nelson, versatile keyboardist, Dave Kwiatkowski and horn arranger and guitar, Jeff Ball.
“Back In Town’s” up-tempo style is the perfect recipe for exercising your dancing desires. If you enjoy fantastic horns with dynamic punctuation, lush harmonies, and lyrical solos—then this band is a must see. “Back in Town” will groove you all night on the dance floor.
Yaminah Brock – Vocals
Yaminah takes her listeners on a sultry and seductive journey using a wide range of deep, soulful, vocal talents. She is a master of interpretation and improvisation. Her vocal career began under the musical direction of Carolina Cole at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. There she gained a deep appreciation for gospel and appeared in various gospel stage productions such as “Mama Don’t,” starring Dorinda Clark Cole, and “Your Arms Are Too Short to Box With God,” starring Kim Cole—both Michael Mathews productions. While earning her degree at Michigan State University, Yaminah has opened for Tupac Shakur, R & B great Freddie Jackson, and performed as background vocalist for Aretha Franklin. Other outstanding performances include the Detroit Movement Festivals from 2000 to 2004, The Detroit Jazz Festival 2005 to 2007, Detroit Dream Cruise, Michigan State Fair, the Arts, Beats and Eats Festival in Pontiac, and many others. Not only is Yaminah a great vocalist for the “Back In Town” band, she is a songwriter as well and has recorded on Third Ear Records (UK), Kingstreet Recording (NYC) and Giant Records (NYC).
Brian Carlon – Alto Saxophone, Flute, Vocals
Brian is a music major from California State University at Long Beach. Brian has performed professionally with J. C. Heard, toured with Buddy Rich and his Big Band, played with Bob Hope, Todd Carlon and the Dave Sporny Big Band. He lists his musical influences as Detroit’s Larry Nozero, Sammy Davis Jr., Elton John, Charlie Parker, J. S. Bach and John Coltrane. Brian contributes horn arrangements to “Back In Town.”
Terry Donn – Trombone, Vocals
Terry graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a degree in Music Education. While attending college, he was a member of the U of M marching band, performing at the Rose Bowl and Super Bowl. As a member of the U of M Symphony Band, Terry was first chair trombonist in his senior year and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. Terry has played with several bands including “Ice,” a Michigan rock/jazz band. Terry contributes vocals and horn arrangements to “Back In Town.”
Frank Ossiff – Bass
Frank has been on the music scene for over 30 years performing with some of Detroit’s top musicians. Frank is always ready to play for live performances, in recording studios and for touring. His versatile bass is the heartbeat of “Back In Town.”
Jeffrey Ball – Guitar
Jeff is a guitar player, performer, arranger, and music teacher. He first studied guitar with George Korinek of the Wilson Mower Pursuit and then with George’s father Al Korinek, who also taught many of the Detroit jazz greats. Jeff studied classical guitar with Charles Postlewaite, as well as voice, piano and music theory at Eastern Michigan University. He studied jazz piano with Detroit’s Matt Michaels and attended music seminars at Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Programs at Elmhurst University and the University of Louisville. He is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators and the Guild of American Luthiers. Jeff has been teaching Blues, Rock, R & B, Jazz and Classical guitar along with keyboards and music theory for over 25 years. Jeff contributes horn arrangements to “Back In Town.”
Dave Kwiatkowski – Keyboards, Vocals
Dave has been playing the piano since 1979. Originally from New Jersey, Dave has performed with many bands at weddings and clubs. His musical talents have taken him to Europe and all across the states. He is an accomplished lead and backup vocalist with “Back In Town.”
Kurt Schelling – Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, Vocals
Kurt is a Detroit musician. He has studied music with members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and was a member of the Livonia Junior and Youth Symphonies. While attending Wayne State University, Kurt performed with the Men’s Glee Club and toured Europe. Kurt has played with the Michigan horn bands “Ice” and “Movin’ On.” Kurt contributes vocals and horn arrangements to “Back In Town.”
Tom Nelson – Drums
Tom is an accomplished studio and live drummer. His list of performances spans many years with multiple bands and projects. Tom is always in time with the “Back In Town” Band.