Dick (Band Leader & Double Bass)

Dick says: "I was very honored when Ed Black asked me to take over the band for him."

As the leader of Ed Black’s band, Dick has tried to maintain Ed's philosophy of "fun and encouragement."   Dick continues to run the group like an old fashioned Jam session.

Dick has played double bass for more than 70 years and has played all kinds of music. He has played Jazz in high school and college and has played Jazz professionally after college. 

He has played classical music with several community symphonies and some chamber music group for some 50 years and has played for several musicals and shows through the years.  Dick found the band at the Bloomfield Senior Center that became the Ed Black Jazz Band and was happy to become a member.

Dick currently plays with 4 Jazz groups and 3 Classical groups.

Judy (Piano and Manager)

Judy is the pianist for the Ed Black Jazz Band and enjoys being part of such a wonderful and talented group of musicians -

She studied classical piano academia from an early age - and was the pianist in many orchestras -

After hearing a rehearsal of the jazz band at the Bloomfield Township Senior Center, she was impressed and challenged to learn how to improvise and play jazz tunes -

She now has a lead role in co-Managing the EB Jazz Band -

Tony (Guitar)

Tony has been playing guitar for over 60 years, working in both rock and jazz mediums.  He also plays flute and piano.  His main influences are Johnny Smith, Herbie Mann, Miles Davis, Lee Ritenour and James Burton.

Dale (Saxophone)

Dale started playing tenor saxophone in the fourth grade. In the ninth grade he also started playing the bassoon, which he played in the concert band all the way through college. Dale played the sax in his high school marching band and at the University of Michigan. Dale started playing jazz for the first time, when he joined the Ed Black Jazz Band, about 7 years ago. He really enjoys playing in this group.

Bob (Banjo)

Bob was raised on a farm in Missouri. 

His musical experience started in a one room school house. 

Some 80 plus years later Bob is still playing banjo, guitar, and ukulele as well as singing a solo from time to time.

Everyone loves to hear 'Banjo Bob' sing and strum Sweet Georgia Brown - Move over Earl Scruggs.

Brian (Banjo)

Brian has been a big fan of the banjo and Dixieland Music since Moby Dick was a guppie.  Having played in several banjo bands from one end of this country to the other,  he had more fun than you could even imagine playing with all kinds of folks from country, folk, rock, and fiddle music.  Played on trains, in parades, on a bus, on several boats even in the Virgin Islands.  The only thing better than playing a banjo is playing with your friends and making people smile.

Don (Guitar)

Don got his first guitar in 1963 when he was a junior in high school. For over 60 years he has played and sung folk, blue grass, traditional Irish, country, western, pop and jazz.  For over 30 years Don has sung and played with the Catholic Central High School Alumni Glee Club.  For over 10 years Don played and sang Irish traditional music at Irish pubs in the area.  Don has been playing with the Ed Black Jazz Band for over three years.

Henry (Trombone)

Henry has played in a variety of big bands.  He even starred in several local concert bands.  All that experience enables him to sound good, but only to a few of his relatives and friends.  He hopes to make more friends this time.  He also dabbles in cello, but only he cares.

Jack (Trumpet)

Over the years, Jack has enjoyed providing musical entertainment to anyone willing to listen.  He was able to do this while performing in a variety of musical groups, while playing trumpet along with other musical instruments such as alto horn and baritone horn. Trumpet playing has been Jack's hobby for more than 70 years.

Laura (Clarinet)

Laura learned how to play the clarinet in 6th grade, by taking lessons from her father and mother, both musicians. 

She played through high school and  college.  After taking a 30 year hiatus Laura picked it up again in 2023 when she joined the Ed Black Jazz Band.  Laura says her fellow musicians are a gas, are very encouraging, and have boosted her happiness factor by 10.

Mike (Clarinet)

Mike is a retired attorney with no formal musical training.  Mike picked up the clarinet 40+ years ago and taught himself the basics. He feels he is still learning, almost 40 years later and he is enjoying every minute of it.  Mike is very pleased to be playing with such a fine group of dedicated traditional jazz enthusiasts.

Peggy (Lead Vocalist and Emcee)

Peggy is the lead vocalist and emcee for the band.

She adds that special sparkle that captivates the audience with her charisma and flare!

Sonee (Saxophone)

Sonee enjoys making music with her fellow musicians. In addition to playing alto saxophone in our band, she is also a member of the Royal Oak Concert Band.  

Steve (Drums)

Steve provides the rhythm and the beat for the band members to follow. 

Steve loved listening to Jazz since he was a kid, and has been playing the drums since he was fourteen. 

What could be better than getting together to make great music.

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Tom (Drums)

Tom has played many band jobs, mostly weddings and private parties through the mid and late 60s and has also played in various clubs throughout the Detroit area in the early 70s. 

Tom has just recently joined the Ed Black Jazz band. He has been warmly received and his musical talents on the drums are a great fit. 

Tom enjoys playing with such a nice group of musicians who like to play music and have the luxury of being retired and have the time to meet every week.

Other Members / Guest Musicians

There other members that are too shy to be listed.

The band attracts several Guest Musicians with special talents for special events.  Stay tuned!