MNJC Brian Hughes & The Crew

A Celebration of the Holidays Bryan J Hughes reimagines the sounds of the past as music unbound by generation or genre. His songs are designed to stir feeling, awaken memory, and connect listeners to both familiar roots and new possibilities. In the early 1990s, Bryan moved to New York City to pursue music. Working across jazz, pop, and dance introduced him to artists including George Jinda and Chieli Minucci of Special EFX, remixers Ernie Lake, Bobby Guy, and Hex Hector of Soul Solution, and pianist Christoph Spendel. Spendel gave Bryan his first writing credit on the 1995 smooth-jazz album Out of Town. At the same time, Bryan performed with original bands throughout the city’s club scene, including CBGB, The Bitter End, Cafe Wha?, and The Bottom Line. These collaborations and live performances shaped his voice as a writer, arranger, and producer. After returning to Florida, Bryan began developing his own music. A collaboration with songwriter Scott Rogness led to the 2008 album The Distance. Bryan and writing partner Howard Kleinfeld were also selected to score the television series Will to Live and the 2013 television movie It Was Him or Me. Over the past decade, Bryan has returned to his first love: singing. Performing the Great American Songbook in the Tampa Bay area, he has fronted ensembles including Helios, Summit, and the Sarasota Jazz Orchestra. His work with bassist John Lamb, formerly of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and the Nate Najar Trio reinforced the power of simple melodies, strong storytelling, and songs that remain with the listener. That perspective now guides his latest studio work, Could This Be Love, a blend of jazz and 1970s soul that reflects the music that has shaped his life and sound. Doors open at 6:30 for dinner and drinks. (Not included in Ticket Price) Peformance starts at 7:30. Click Here to Become a Jazz Club Member