Grand Hotel's Alex Graham Debuts New Jazz Recording

Enjoying the debut party in Detroit are Kristi and Alex Graham (left) and Marlee and Dan Musser. The Mussers hosted a reception for Mr. Graham before his performance.

Alex Graham has released a new jazz CD, "Brand New," and played selections at a debut party Friday, February 1, at The Jazz Cafe in Detroit, a performance club at Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts.

The Mackinac Island Trillium Heights resident dedicated the album to his daughter, Penelope, and his late grandfather.

The alto saxophonist has been the music director at Grand Hotel for the last seven years. He began writing music in high school and is pursuing his doctorate in jazz studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he has taught a jazz performance workshop. He has written arrangements for vocalists Diane Schuur and John Boutte and composed and arranged for small group, big band, and studio orchestra.

In Detroit, Mr. Graham was accompanied by a quintet featuring Rodney Whitaker on base, Jim Rotondi on trumpet, Steve Davis on trombone, David Hazeltime on piano, and Carl Allen playing drums.

Alex Graham (center) and his quintet at The Jazz Cafe in Detroit February 1, introduding his new CD, "Brand New. (Photographs courtesy of Kristi Graham)