Hello! My name is Kenji Lee. I am a jazz saxophonist and double-bassist in Southeast Michigan and would love to perform at your next event!
My band performs Jazz classics and Motown hits that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Our music can get you on your feet and dancing, but also has the control and flexibility to play at low volumes to set the ambiance of a room. Audiences at our performances always leave happy!
We believe in bringing punctual, professional, and high-quality performances to all of our events. We are always happy to accommodate any needs that you would have for live music at your event. Most importantly, we are versatile and love making music for you!
This band did amazing job with our first dance music selections. They were always very quick to respond and were able to accommodate plans shifting. Would recommend!
Response from The Kenji Lee Band:
Thank you, Sylvia! Congratulations, and thanks for having us :)
This is such a great group. They have played two significant events for us, and their music is spectacular. Highest recommendation.
Response from The Kenji Lee Band:
Thank you, JJ! Always a pleasure to work with you. Hope you have a great Summer!
The Kenji Lee Band was the perfect addition to our non-profit holiday party at the Village Arts Factory. They provided a Jazz trio that performed a mix of classic Jazz and holiday favorites. Many of the event guests commented on the quality and classiness of the music. The guys were also great to work with and super friendly. I would definitely book them again in the future!
Flexible around scheduling and were great for our event!
Not only were they amazing artists that brought our show to a whole new level, but they were professional and a joy to work with. I would hire them again without hesitation.
What a band! These young musicians are so talented and so personable, you'd be lucky to book them. Truly great performers.
Price Range: $300 and up; contact for rates
Gig Length: 10 - 360 minutes
Languages: English, Japanese, Spanish
Punctuality, professionalism and a top-quality musical performance. Audiences always leave happy! We perform jazz classics and Motown hits that audiences love! We have the control to play at any volume to set the ambiance of a room in any situation. Most importantly, we are versatile.
Kenji Lee is a multi-instrumentalist, composer-improviser, arts advocate, and educator merging the intersections of art and community.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in the seaside town of Laguna Beach, California, Lee began studying music at an early age and spent most of his childhood immersed in music. He spent nearly a decade learning from the late-great bassist and educator Roger Shew. Lee relocated to the Midwest to attend the University of Michigan, where he holds two
Lee has crafted a powerful voice “beyond his years, and beyond his peers” [OC Register]. As a saxophonist and double-bassist, Lee has performed with many of the leading forces in so-called Jazz and Creative music including Wayne Horvitz, Dr. Prof. Leonard King, Marion Hayden, Mr. B (Mark Braun), RJ Spangler, Paul Keller, Jeff Pedraz, Kayvon Gordon, Lex Korten, and Andy Milne.
Lee’s work as an arts leader is expansive and deeply rooted in his commitment to cultivating community and promoting arts advocacy. Lee has held leadership roles at Canterbury House, Kerrytown Concert House, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In these capacities, he has curated over 200 performances in a diverse array of accessible & transformative concerts, poetry readings, dance recitals, art shows, and more.
In late 2022, Lee released his debut full-length album, “Kyudo”, featuring the Fortune Teller Trio (Lee on saxophones, Andy Peck on double bass and Jonathan Barahal Taylor on percussion) with special guest, vocalist Estar Cohen to critical acclaim. The ensemble was subsequently selected as a featured artist at the 2023 Detroit International Jazz Festival.
Kenji's ensembles are low maintenance and supply all of their own gear. As far as dress, the ensemble can wear anything from casual to black tie, completely at the discretion of the Client.
| July 27, 2024 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Wedding Reception |
| June 18, 2024 • 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| January 13, 2024 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Cocktail Party |
| December 07, 2023 • 5:30pm - 7:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| June 19, 2021 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| June 28, 2018 • 3:00pm - 9:30pm | Cultural Event |
| April 28, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
We can perform any songs at your request or provide you music from our band's jazz repertoire! Some commonly played selections include:
All of Me
Fly Me To The Moon
The Way You Look Tonight
Come Fly With Me
Take Five
Yesterdays
Georgia On My Mind
Stand By Me
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay
Tisket a Tasket
Tea For Two
Stardust
When The Saints Go Marching In
(And other songs from the Jazz/Motown repertoire)
Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Oscar Peterson, Steve Tyrell, Anita O’ Day, John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Bud Powell, and more!
None! We provide our own equipment.
Philadelphia, PA 
Jazz Band
229 Verified Bookings Kiki M. said “Absolutely amazing ensemble! I am so thrilled with this group. It was everything that I could have hoped for. They go above and beyond and made it an…”
Detroit, MI
Jazz Band
2 Verified Bookings This artist performs a great mix of popular songs in a smooth jazz style which includes vocals and upbeat jazz standards. The DUO, guitar and keyboard with a drum…
Detroit, MI
Jazz Band
4 Verified Bookings Joya S. said “Michael Payne and the Elemental Band were fantastic and perfect for our event. Michael communicated well throughout the process. He played a variety of…”
San Diego, CA
Jazz Band
Happy Jazz provides the perfect background jazz music for your event. Weddings, Cocktail Hours, Corporate Events, Birthday Parties and more!
List your services
Log In
