The all-female jazz ensemble Straight Ahead is one of Detroit's most intriguing tales of glory. Formed in 1989 by pianist/singer Michelle Braden, five of our town's most promising and highly skilled jazz musicians joined forces as Straight Ahead. Keyboardist Eileen Orr, bassist Marion Hayden, drummer Gayelynn McKinney, violinist Regina Carter and vocalist Braden were individually stunning and a rich rarity collectively -- hard-hitting female jazz cats. Their accomplishments were highlighted by being signed (although Braden had left and was replaced by Cynthia Dewberry) to Atlantic Jazz, a label of international importance.
    Amazingly, they didn't have to leave home to get their big break. After signing with Atlantic and receiving a media push in publications from Vogue Magazine to the Washington Post, Straight Ahead was expected to become a household name. It didn't happen the way it should have.
    Straight Ahead recorded three albums with Atlantic. They gained a larger audience as they performed around the globe, but they still haven't become big-name jazz divas making mega bucks. Why these gifted ladies aren't headlining at Pine Knob or Meadow Brook or performing as guest artists with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is an insight into fame and fortune.
    Because of a voluntary departure from Atlantic Records, Straight Ahead's most recent recording effort is an independent CD (with new members Althea Rene, a flutist, and vocalist Faatimah York; Dewberry and Carter have left the group). Titled City Cuts, it's an excellent example of why the group was attractive to a major label. Their playing is spiritually inspired and musically among the best of its genre. The cuts range from soulful, smooth jazz to spicy salsa. Each song is a showcase for musicians who are seasoned and polished. It is a fine piece of art.
    Among the several hundred, if not thousands, of talented Detroit musicians, Straight Ahead is part of the small elite group that has that extra something special that merits extraordinary acknowledgement. They have paid their dues and merit real stardom and all of the wonderful treats that come with it.