Jazz at Debonair: Ultrablue and Stix Bones

Ultrablue is a contemporary jazz group performing the music of pianist and writer/producer John Smatla, blending elegant contemporary jazz with Brazilian and Latin music styles, funk and R&B, and pop and rock. Known for tight, sophisticated production and outstanding instrumental performances, the group’s core all-star cast includes David Mann on sax and flute, Chieli Minucci on electric guitar, John Benitez on bass, and Romero Lubambo on acoustic guitar, with jazz luminaries like Randy Brecker, John Patitucci, and Gregoire Maret having appeared as special guests on Ultrablue songs. Sharing the bill is Stix Bones, an urban jazz artist, drummer, and music producer whose career launched with the smooth jazz album Groove Like This, which charted in the top 10 on SmoothJazz.com. Stix served as music director for the Lyricist Lounge, collaborating with De La Soul, Talib Kweli, Q-Tip, and Common, and leads his own powerhouse ensemble The BONE Squad, which has served as the resident house band at The Paradise Theater in the Bronx, opening for Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, SWV, and The O’Jays.