Don Was and The Pan-Detroit Ensemble Announce Debut Album Groove in the Face of Adversity

Six-time GRAMMY® Award winner, acclaimed producer, bassist, and current Blue Note Records President Don Was is stepping into a bold new chapter with his latest project: The Pan-Detroit Ensemble. The nine-piece soul jazz collective will release its debut LP, Groove in the Face of Adversity, on October 10 via Mack Avenue Records. Fans can pre-save and pre-order the album now, and the first taste of the project comes with the track “Midnight Marauders”, available to stream and share today.

Born and raised in Detroit, Don Was has spent five decades shaping the sound of contemporary music—working with The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, John Mayer, and countless others. But with Groove in the Face of Adversity, he comes full circle, reconnecting with the musical spirit of his hometown. “We’re the Pan-Detroit Ensemble and we are on a mission to promulgate the music of our hometown,” Was explains.

Blending steamy jazz, juke joint blues, and loose-limbed funk, the album channels Detroit’s rich musical heritage while showcasing Was’ lifelong philosophy of finding rhythm and peace through music. The title itself reflects a transformative moment in his youth: sitting impatiently in a car while his mother ran errands, he tuned into Joe Henderson’s Mode for Joe on the radio. “There was a nonverbal message that came through the music,” Was recalls. “‘Don, you got to groove in the face of adversity,’ meaning just relax, chill, and go with the flow.” It’s a mantra that continues to define his artistry.

In celebration of the release, Don Was and The Pan-Detroit Ensemble will embark on a fall tour, beginning October 8 in Traverse City, MI. The run will include stops in Louisville, Lansing, and more, culminating with a special Detroit performance on October 11—the official album release show. The group is also slated to appear at the immersive Golden Road Festival in Buford, GA. Select dates, including Traverse City and Evanston, will feature two performances nightly at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Adding to the excitement, the tour will not only showcase music from Groove in the Face of Adversity but will also include a full performance of The Grateful Dead’s 1975 classic Blues For Allah in honor of its 50th anniversary. Tickets for all announced shows are on sale now, with an extended tour planned for early 2026. Additional dates will be announced soon.

The announced October itinerary includes Traverse City, MI (October 8, two shows); Evanston, IL (October 9, two shows); Louisville, KY (October 10); Detroit, MI (October 11, album release show); Lansing, MI (October 12); and Buford, GA (October 13, Golden Road Festival).

Don Was’ reputation as one of the most influential producers of the modern era is unmatched. His body of work includes producing landmark albums across genres, with combined sales nearing 100 million records worldwide. His accolades include six GRAMMY® Awards, a BAFTA Award for Best Original Score (Backbeat), an Emmy Award for Music Direction (The Beatles: The Night That Changed America), and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association.

Beyond the studio, Was has led the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue for more than 15 years, co-hosts The Don Was Motor City Playlist on Detroit’s WDET, and hosts Dinner with Don Was on SiriusXM. Since 2018, he has also toured extensively as a founding member of Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble unites some of the Motor City’s most accomplished musicians, each bringing their own deep-rooted jazz, funk, and soul influences. The lineup includes Jeff Canaday on drums, Vincent Chandler on trombone, Steffanie Christi’an on vocals, John Douglas on trumpet, Wayne Gerard on guitar, Mahindi Masai on percussion, Dave McMurray on saxophone, and Luis Resto on keyboards. Together with Don Was on bass, this powerhouse nine-piece ensemble embodies the collaborative and innovative spirit of Detroit’s vibrant music community.

With Groove in the Face of Adversity, Don Was doesn’t just add another milestone to his legendary career—he celebrates the resilience, rhythm, and creativity of Detroit. The album serves as both a personal statement and a communal expression of the city’s enduring musical heartbeat. The record arrives October 10 via Mack Avenue Records. Pre-save and pre-order are available now.