Guitarist

We are living in strange times. Pandemics, Political upheaval, Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon, Artificial Intelligence. Life feels like a B roll movie. We acclimate to the unexpected. Throughout day to day life there are flashes of unreality, as if nothing is as perceived. This is Waking Dream, sometimes it can feel like a nightmare as well. This futuristic octet features five premier guitarists and a power house rhythm section. It is textural and symphonic at times, while firmly rooted in hard bop and the blues. The Detroit Jazz Festival will be the CD release for the groups debut release. With no established precedent, this is a unique fusion of styles and sounds.

Randy Napoleon and Waking Dream

Cadillac Square

Guitarist Randy Napoleon cut his teeth in the clubs of Detroit and throughout the Midwest in the mid-nineties, only realizing after his move to New York how much his musical identity and values were forged by that scene. The jazz masters that still populate the region swing with uncompromising commitment, deeply steeped in the Blues and the language of Bebop. For this trio performance Randy pays tribute to 3 of the greatest of the mid-century "Rust Belt" masters, all of whom helped define the hardbop guitar sound: Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell.

EPSG:4326

Randy Napoleon Trio

The Shedd Institute

Over the languorous course of 33 years and 16 albums, Michael Franks has mesmerized an international legion of fans with his one-of-a-kind artistry. Seamlessly weaving lyrics of stunning sensuality, wit, reflection and literary eloquence over music that tastefully utilizes top shelf shadings of jazz, soul, pop, chamber and music from around the globe, Michael Franks the songwriter has set a bar in the music world that places him as nothing less than a statesman of song craft.

Guitarist

Randy Napoleon

Events

Past events

Aug 31, 2025

Randy Napoleon and Waking Dream · Detroit Jazz Festival

Feb 26, 2025

Randy Napoleon Trio · The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts

About

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