Lunar Sextet

The Lunar Sextet brings four decades of Latin jazz mastery to Mr. Tipple's, marking 41 years of original compositions that blend Cuban salsa, Puerto Rican rhythms, Brazilian sambas, and African high-life into what LA Jazz Scene calls "the perfect melding of elements of Latin and jazz."

This six-piece configuration of the renowned Michigan-based Lunar Octet features trumpeter Chris Aschman, a versatile performer who has shared stages with Paquito D'Rivera, Stanley Clarke, and Aretha Franklin. His trumpet work drives the ensemble's contemporary Latin jazz sound, drawing from his deep Caribbean influences and jazz-funk background. Alto saxophonist Steve Hiltner, a nearly 40-year veteran of the Lunar Octet who has performed across festivals in the Midwest, England, and California, adds his distinctive voice to the group's sophisticated arrangements.

Keyboardist Greg Sankovich brings his jazz-funk sensibilities from his work with Times 4, while bassist Jeff Dalton contributes decades of Latin fusion experience from his Detroit years. Stanford professor Jon Krosnick anchors the rhythm section with his energetic, technically precise drumming style influenced by Peter Erskine and Steve Gadd, while composer-percussionist Aron Kaufman — co-founder of the original Lunar Octet in 1983 — drives the infectious Afro-Caribbean percussion that defines their sound.

The ensemble's latest album "Convergence" has received airplay on over 325 radio stations worldwide, with Jazziz Magazine praising its "14 sizzling tracks" and Downbeat noting how the music "bursts with joy and authority" while spurring "the impulse to dance." Their live performances have earned acclaim as "sultans of salsa" with "tight arrangements" and "impeccable musical quotes from the classics."

Expect original compositions that weave together Latin rhythms with jazz sophistication — music that Jazz Weekly calls "picante" and JazzThing Magazine describes as "the very best of arranging and instrumental art."