Having performed on the bill with such great artists as Jimmy Smith, Tom Browne, Henry Johnson, LaVerne Butler, Joe McBride, Phyllis Diller, Bobby Bland, Percy Sledge, Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, the Platters, the Coasters, the Drifters, Kim Waters, and Jimmy Witherspoon, the professional pyrotechnics are in easy evidence. Summerfield, whose style is greatly reminiscent of the late great Grover Washington Jr., Najee, Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, and Tom Scott, is a former lead Alto Saxophonist for the Genius Ray Charles Orchestra, having replaced the great and capable Hank Crawford in the band. 

Bandleader Summerfield, who doubles as a university professor where he heads the Music and Art Department, is on peer with the great musicians of this era. In addition, he is adept at arranging, orchestrating, composing and is a serious student devoted to jazz music. His sidemen posses equal musical acumen and their togetherness, teamwork, and professionalism make them one of the best aggregations in the profession.

Photographer: Neil Johnson

Musician: Dorsey Summerfield