The Hughes/Smith Quintet

The HSQ is a Detroit-based jazz quintet that performs original music with purpose. The group is spearheaded by Saxophonist James Hughes & trumpeter Jimmy Smith, the group features the rhythm section of Phil Kelly, Takashi Iio and Nate Winn. The quintet formed in the autumn of 2012 with the purpose of promoting their brand of Detroit be-bop. Fresh tunes, tight ensemble work, intriguing solos and music that swings are among the groups trademarks. Jimmy and James are both first-call freelancing musicians in Detroit and have performed with jazz giants like Jimmy Heath, Dave Liebman, Richie Cole, John Clayton, Jerry Bergonzi, Jim Rotondi, Michael Phillip Mossman, Steve Wilson, and Kenny G. Jimmy appears on recordings by The Men of Grace, Wayne Kounty, Bob Mervak, and The Motor City Horns. James appears on recordings by The Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra, Carl Cafagna & North Star Jazz, Bobby Streng's House Big Band, Keith Vreeland, and Davison Magpie. Together, they form the horn section for Detroit soul legend Melvin Davis, and The Bluewater Kings. The Hughes/Smith Quintet has performed at Cliff Bell's, Jazz Cafe at Music Hall, Motor City Wine, Detroit Institute of Arts, Cadieux Cafe, Brighton Jazz & Blues Fest, the Experience Art Live Royal Oak Festival, 11 & Woodward Concert Series, St Columban Concert Series, and the Opportunity Detroit Concert Series. Their recordings FROM HERE ON OUT [2013] and EVER UP & ONWARD [2015] have been featured on 89.1 WEMU, 90.3 Blue Lake Public Radio and 101.9 WDET.

Detroit, MI