Learning How To Fly Biographies

LEARNING HOW TO FLY

PLAYERS


Artist Bios (in alphabetical order)
Gail Baker: Gail Baker is a Detroit-based performing artist, songwriter, and producer whose decades-long career spans jazz, world, gospel, and contemporary music. With training in guitar, voice, and audio engineering, post-graduate music studies and a Bachelor of Journalism degree, she brings a unique blend of artistic, technical, and communication expertise to her work. Baker has earned national and local recognition, including Detroit Music Awards for Best World/Reggae/Ska Recording and Best Female Vocalist, a Metro Times Music Award for Best New Group, a Billboard Pick Hit of the Week, and critical acclaim from AllMusic. She has performed at major events such as the NAMM Convention and Concert of Colors, appeared on television and radio including The Mitch Albom Show, and participated in regional festivals and choral performances nationwide. Her discography includes five previous releases, with “Learning How to Fly” being her first solo release.
Charles Bartels: Hailing from Lapeer, Michigan, Chuck is now a prolific Detroit-based bassist. His live performance and recording career has spanned over 40-years. He is best known for his work with Bettye LaVette and Sturgill Simpson.
Michael Friedman: Michael played drums in the Detroit area for over 40 years. A student of all musical styles, he co-authored many original songs drawing from world rhythms he explored. Mike performed in the Catskills of New York, in California and throughout the Midwest. His many recording performances include local Detroit releases as well as soundtracks for major corporations. He has hosted seminars, drum lectures and classes for performing drummers. Well known in the Detroit area, Mike frequently appeared live with some of Detroit’s finest musicians. This album is dedicated in his memory.
Maurice Pirahnahead Herd: Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd is a Detroit-based producer, orchestrator, and string arranger with over three decades shaping contemporary music. Mentored by Paul Riser and Benjamin Wright, he has contributed to Grammy-winning and nominated projects including Victoria Monét’s “Jaguar II” (Best R&B Album) and De La Soul. He orchestrated and produced “A Jaguar Christmas” project and arranged strings on Teddy Swims’ Diamond-certified Billboard #1 “Lose Control.” His work bridges orchestral tradition, soul, and modern R&B.
Maureen Honoré: With single releases from her debut album “Right on Time” hitting number one on the UK soul charts, Maureen is a rising star. Raised in Detroit and now living in Toronto, she has a five octave vocal range and award winning songwriting skills. Along with Gail Baker, she was a creative force behind the Detroit Music Award winning band Zebula Avenue. Having recorded with some of Detroit and Toronto’s finest musicians and producers, her music has been described in Souljones.com as “high Soul fantasy at its organic best.”
James Hughes: Detroit saxophonist and flautist James Hughes is a first-call musician with 20+ years across jazz, classical, soul, and rock. Grounded in hard-bop with a modern edge, he has released four albums including “Ever Up & Onward” which earned a spot at All-Music’s Top Jazz Album, 2015. James has performed with Dave Liebman, Kurt Elling, Barry Harris, and Arturo Sandoval.
Takashi Iio: Takashi Iio is a nine-time Detroit Music Award–winning bassist whose versatility and musicianship have made him one of the most respected and sought-after players in the industry. His credits include recording and performance work with Michael Bolton, Les Nubians, Kristen Bell, Bob Mervak, Sara Bareilles, Marcus Belgrave, Mitch Ryder, Il Divo, Brent Mason, 2Cellos, and more.
Tracy Kash: Tracy Kash began her musical life as a classical musician. She received a Bachelor’s degree from University of North Texas and a Master’s degree from the venerable Boston Conservatory, in orchestral music and music theory. Tracy is an accomplished flutist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and pianist. She has appeared in numerous live performances and recording sessions throughout Southeastern Michigan. Her discography includes four solo album releases.
Greg Nance: Bassist Greg Nance has extensive experience in the Detroit Jazz fusion and R&B scene. Greg's grooving and melodic bass work is his signature style. He has appeared on major stages and recorded on award winning albums.
James Brown Eagle Niemi: James has won multiple Detroit Music Awards and is a veteran of the Metro Detroit scene. Proficient on lead guitar and vocals, James continues his unique take on many genres of music in both original and cover bands. His playing style has been described as spanning a wide range—from “feather-light brush work” to “machine-gun overtures” and “haunting melodic phrasing.” Also a fine artist, James’ work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, such as those at the University of Michigan’s Palmer Commons and ArtPrize - Grand Rapids MI. James is a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Ron Otis: Detroit native Ron Otis began playing drums at five and was performing professionally by 16, working with Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Bob James, and Jonathan Butler. A longtime collaborator with Earl Klugh, he currently tours with KEM. His releases “Up Front” and “Stay in Your Lane” blend contemporary jazz and R&B.
Pat Shanley: Pat is an experienced, versatile rhythm and lead guitarist and vocalist. Hismusic encompasses Soul, Blues, Rock, Americana, Jazz, and more. He has recorded and worked with many of Detroit's finest musicians. Pat started playing guitar at 16 and for nearly 50 years has been on the Detroit music scene. He credits his early years as a drummer for influencing his music career.
James Shelton: James Shelton is a versatile Detroit-based musician, pianist, and organist known for his work in jazz, R&B, and rock, including performances at Aretha’s Jazz Café and contributing to Alice Cooper’s “Detroit Stories” album. He leads The James Shelton Band and operates TKS Music Entertainment.
Jimmy Shelton: Jimmy Shelton is a multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer, handling the drumming and engineering for the psych-math duo “bird on ice.” He produces and records his own solo projects under the artist name “Honeyed.”
Marni Sison: Marni Sison is a freelance musician playing guitar for pit orchestras, weddings, bars, and private events throughout Michigan and has written and produced custom curriculum-aligned music for the classroom. His children's music project, “Marni Sing-Song!,” has been featured across various kids' programming in the US and Internationally.

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Last updated June 21, 2026.
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