Six-time Grammy winner, acclaimed producer, and Blue Note Records President Don Was is set for the release of his debut album with The Pan-Detroit Ensemble, a “nine-piece soul jazz group from Detroit,” as he describes it. Groove in the Face of Adversity is due October 10 via Mack Avenue Records. Pre-save/pre-order the album HERE.
In anticipation of the release, the band is sharing the track “Midnight Marauders;” listen/share HERE.
Born and raised in Detroit, Was returns to his roots with The Pan-Detroit Ensemble. Drawing on the wide-ranging musical contributions of his storied career, the record brings listeners back to where it all began: the Motor City. “We’re the Pan-Detroit Ensemble and we are on a mission to promulgate the music of our hometown,” says Was.
Groove in the Face of Adversity blends steamy jazz, juke joint blues, and loose-limbed funk in a thoughtful sonic cross-pollination that reflects both Was’ deep roots and sensibilities. The album’s title draws from a formative moment in his youth: stuck in the car and in a sour mood while his mother ran errands, he turned on the radio and stumbled upon Joe Henderson’s “Mode for Joe.” The music changed everything.
“There was a nonverbal message that came through the music,” Was recalls. “‘Don, you got to groove in the face of adversity,’ meaning just relax and chill and just go with the flow with your mom.” It’s a musical philosophy Was has employed ever since.
In support of the album, Was and The Pan-Detroit Ensemble will embark on a fall tour, kicking off October 8 in Traverse City, MI. The run includes stops in Louisville, Lansing, and more, with a special Detroit performance on October 11 serving as the official album release show. The band will also appear at the immersive Golden Road Festival in Buford, GA. Select dates, including Traverse City and Evanston, will include two performances at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now HERE. Extensive touring will follow in early 2026, with additional dates to be announced soon.
The tour will feature songs from the band’s forthcoming album alongside a full performance of The Grateful Dead’s Blues For Allah in celebration of that album’s 50th anniversary.
Was has spent five decades as a producer, bassist, composer, and the longtime head of Blue Note Records. He has produced landmark albums for The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, John Mayer, Willie Nelson, and more, with combined sales approaching 100 million records. His accolades include a BAFTA Award for Best Original Score (Backbeat), an Emmy for Music Direction (The Beatles: The Night That Changed America), and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association.
Was has led the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue for more than 15 years, co-hosts The Don Was Motor City Playlist on Detroit NPR station WDET, and hosts Dinner with Don Was on SiriusXM. Since 2018, he has toured extensively with Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, a group he co-founded with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.
About The Pan-Detroit Ensemble
Formed by Don Was, The Pan-Detroit Ensemble unites some of Detroit’s most accomplished jazz players, including Jeff Canaday (drums), Vincent Chandler (trombone), Steffanie Christi’an (vocals), John Douglas (trumpet), Wayne Gerard (guitar), Mahindi Masai (percussion), Dave McMurray (saxophone), and Luis Resto (keyboards).
Tour Dates
October 8 — Traverse City, MI — The Alluvion — 7 p.m.
October 8 — Traverse City, MI — The Alluvion — 9 p.m.
October 9 — Lansing, MI — Grewal Hall at 224
October 10 — Evanston, IL — Space — 7 p.m.
October 10 — Evanston, IL — Space — 9 p.m.
October 11 — Detroit, MI — The Majestic Theatre
October 15 — Louisville, KY — Headliners Music Hall
October 16 — Charlottesville, VA — Jefferson Theater
October 17 — Saxapahaw, NC — Haw River Ballroom
October 18 — Buford, GA — Lanier Islands
