Recent Recordings by Area Artists
We were introduced to many rising jazz stars at the 2026 Detroit Jazz Festival: Skyler Tang, Jill Opal, Sequoia Snyder and Inner Knowing, The LoEnd Quintet, Himiko Kikuchi and the Young Lions Trio and among them, Austin DiPietro and the Borderland Ensemble. Their performance on the JP Morgan Chase Stage delivered the same electricity and authentic creativity as their debut CD Live At Mackenzie Hall Jazz.
Trumpeter, composer, arranger DiPietro brings friends from the Canadian American borders to share in musical interchange as the Borderland Ensemble. The band includes tenor saxophonist Ryan Bills, guitarist Ian Blunden, bassist Trevor Lamb and drummer Zach McKinney. Their debut CD was recorded in Windsor’s Mackenzie Hall in 2024 and 2025. The selection from 2024 featured additional pianist Michael Karloff and drummer Jonathan Blanchette. In 2026 when they appeared at the Detroit Jazz Festival, they had lost no luster — in fact they sparkled more brightly. DiPietro and company knew how to deliver as they have experience in pleasing jazz audiences.
The disc opens with “The Fleeting Moment,” yet this piece is incredibly memorable with cascading trumpet-saxophone interplay reticent of Detroit’s Tribe recordings by Wendell Harrison, Marcus Belgrave and Charles Moore. “Borders” follows. It is an introspective exploration of inner borders of creativity, emotion, maturity, and life choices. DiPietro gives way to guitarist Blunden and bassist Lamb for sensitive solos.
DiPietro knows how to pace a concert. From the contemplation of “Borders,” the high energy of “Hangtet” explodes! Tenor saxophonist Bills contributed this burner to the repertoire. The tune is brisk, bright, and bold! Drummer McKinney powers it. Guitarist Blunden complements with super-clean guitar notes that are surprising yet totally appropriate. Another breather is next: “Melancholia.” This wistful DiPietro original is searching, tender, and tearful yet finishes with a resolve portending continuation in the creative life.
“Undertow” is introduced with an under-water hypnotic bass passage by Lamb. Guitarist Blunden adds opening harmony. Then, the energetic exchanges by DiPietro and Bills take the tune above the waves. The Borderland Ensemble’s listening skill are in full focus here. Harmonies embrace major and minor modes simultaneously with lightning quick changes.
The recording ends with two covers: the classic ballad “If I Had You” and Marcus Belgrave’s signature song “All My Love.” It is evident that each musician knew the lyrics to “If I Had You.” Listen and sing along in your mind. You will feel longing love, smoldering desire and the ache of unfulfilled affection. As a brilliant and upbeat coda to “If I Had You,” the recording closes with the Borderland Ensemble honoring Detroit Jazz Master Laureate Marcus Belgrave. Pianist Karloff reprised the sparkling piano inspiration of Detroit-born Kirk Lightsey from the original Kirk ‘N Marcus recording for Criss Cross Records. This is a celebration of love fulfilled from Blanchette’s tight cymbal intro to Bills’ inspired passion and bassist Lamb’s illustration of why your tone — not your speed or tricky solo — is what makes you a memorable bassist in the legendary Ray Brown’s mind.
This is a debut years in the making. It is a testament to musical friendships, respect, and heart-to-heart international communication. Sincere thanks to leader and visionary Austin DiPietro for persevering and bringing the national borders together through music. Thanks also to Hugh and Kathy Leal of the Windsor Jazz Concert series. What great musical memories they make in Mackenzie Hall!
For more information, visit www.austindipietro.com or www.bandcamp.com.