Saxophonist Duane Parham is one of the Motor City’s most beloved jazz artists. He is recognized as an innovator and top performer in the contemporary fusion of jazz and gospel music. Born and raised in Detroit, his latest project, “Motor City Sax Appeal: My Tribute To The Motown Legends†delivers a smooth jazz tribute to Motown Records with guest appearances from some of the label’s most legendary performers. Guest appearances by The Four Tops, The Miracles, The Contours, The Original Vandellas, Pat Lewis, Carolyn Crawford and five time Grammy-winner Michael J. Powell give this album an authentic Motown feel that blends wonderfully with Parham’s smooth jazz stylings.
As an artist, Duane has amassed several accolades acknowledging his talent and civic contributions. He is the recipient of three Mayoral Proclamations of Achievement from Mayors Coleman A. Young and Dennis W. Archer of Detroit along with Mayor Martha G. Scott of Highland Part, MI for his accomplishments in music arts development and his outstanding contribution to the betterment of both communities.Parham also received the Spirit of Detroit Award for producing and arranging “Dream Detroit,†a song co-written with Detroit Councilwoman Kay Everett. Most recently, Parham was inducted into the Detroit Legends of Jazz Hall of Fame. He holds the distinction of being the youngest person to join this elite fraternity.
Parham takes an active role in contributing to the legacy of jazz in Detroit with his Saxville Avenue Records. Saxville has released several productions, including Parham’s recent CD, “Martin’s Dream,†featuring a duet with Detroit’s popular young mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick.
As a performer, Duane Parham has opened for noted Motivational Speakers Iyanla Vanzant and Les Brown. He also performed alongside gospel greats Michael Matthews, The Clark Sisters and the legendary Rance Allen.
Parham’s talents reach beyond just making music. He wrote, produced, directed and performed in the musical drama, “Alone in This World,†a play focusing on the strength of family, the perils of drug abuse, and the spiritual uplift from gospel and jazz music in the church.
Along with his many artistic pursuits, Duane still finds time to share his gift with young people looking to develop their own musical talents. He taught music at Mary Grove College in the Continuing Education Kid’s College Department, where he showcased local talent. He also taught music at St. Ambrose Academy middle school in Detroit.
True to his gospel roots, Duane serves as a saxophonist at two metropolitan Detroit churches – Greater New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and Transforming Love Community Church, where he also serves as the Minister of Music.
Duane’s most recent project, “Motor City Sax Appeal,†showcases his ability to chart new artistic territory. By blending Motown classics with smooth jazz and his unique style of playing, he has reinterpreted the legendary sound in a way that reaches out to a new audience. The album cements his status as Detroit’s pre-eminent smooth jazz artist.
