Ann Arbor Jazz Heroes string bassist Paul Keller and vibraphonist Cary Kocher lead their quintet featuring pianist Adam Mosley, guitarist Matt LoRusso, and drummer David Alvarez. Tonight, KKQ celebrates the centennial anniversary of the birth of their muse and inspiration, pianist George Shearing. Keller/Kocher and Co. will deploy “The Shearing Sound”, utilizing the same George Shearing Quintet instrumentation and playing lots of Shearing’s delicious music. Paul Keller is indefatigable; his tidy, clever arrangements set the stage for musical fireworks; Cary’s virtuosic vibraphone chops are bodacious; Adam, David and Matt bring youth, vigor, high-energy and good humor to the festivities.

KKQ brings you swinging, straight-ahead jazz and Great American Songbook material - some familiar, some not-so-familiar, all wonderful and delightful! Their hallmark is their patented blend of the tight ensemble of a big band and the free-wheeling spontaneity of a smaller jazz combo. Always included are plenty of melody, plenty of creative jazz improvisation; nifty intros and endings abound, along with riffs, ditties, diving boards, vamps, send-offs and shout choruses; these musical sign-posts dot the Keller/Kocher landscape and point to on/off ramps on their fascinating and fun jazz highway.

Paul Keller, bass

Cary Kocher, vibraphone

Matt LoRusso, guitar

Adam Mosley, piano

David Alvarez, drums