Paxton Spangler Band to Perform Jazz, Blues and Soul in Lansing

The Paxton Spangler Band is bringing a blend of New Orleans jazz, blues, and soul to Lansing on November 13.

According to a report from Patch, the five-piece ensemble will perform a set featuring a wide range of genres, from swing and crooner classics to funky R&B.

The performance begins at 6:30 PM, with doors opening to the public at 5:00 PM. Attendees will have access to a kitchen serving dinner and drinks during the event.

The group is led by Detroit veterans John “Tbone” Paxton and RJ Spangler. Their professional partnership dates back to 1980, when the two began working together in the Sun Messengers, a popular Detroit-based band. During their early years, they toured extensively throughout the Midwest, the East Coast, and the Deep South.

Paxton Spangler Band to Perform Jazz, Blues and Soul in Lansing

Paxton’s individual contributions to the Detroit music scene include winning a Motor City Music Award for best trombonist. He has also earned multiple nominations as a best jazz vocalist at the Detroit Music Awards. Spangler brings experience as a bandleader for the pianist and singer Eddie Bo during his time in the North.

The duo’s collaborative history extends to the Planet D Nonet, a 10-piece group of which they are cornerstone members. Through that ensemble, they have toured 11 states, released 12 CDs, and received nine Detroit Music Awards.

While their previous work often involved larger ensembles, the current Paxton Spangler Band project utilizes a smaller, five-musician lineup. This version of the group has released two national albums: a debut in 2020 and a second project titled Joys, which was released in 2023.

The band’s repertoire draws from a diverse list of influential artists. On any given night, the setlist may include songs by:

Fats Waller and Louis Jordan
Duke Ellington and Nat King Cole
Hoagy Carmichael and Leonard Cohen
Hank Williams and Jimmy Cliff
Earl King, Danny Barker, and Roy Ayers
Leon Russell and The Stylistics

The musicians have direct ties to the New Orleans music tradition, having performed alongside New Orleans artists such as Johnny Adams and Earl King. Spangler and Paxton have also performed both together and separately within New Orleans.

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