Detroit-based, cross-generational, spiritual soul-jazz and funk ensemble Black Light Collective is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, bandleader, and Blue Note recording artist Dave McMurray. On-stage and in the studio, this lively ensemble pay homage to the groove-centric jazz and spiritual soul of the '60s and '70s with their original compositions. The group's lineup consists of younger musicians from McMurray's orbit including trombonist Kenneth Gill and trumpeter Allen Dennard (two celebrated Motor City bandleaders); lead singer Isis Damil (a devotee of the modern jazz vocal tradition established by Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln); pianist/vocalist Malik Alston, and the rhythm section from McMurray's regular band, D3: bassist Ibrahim Jones, drummer Jeff Canady, and keyboardist Maurice O’Neal.

McMurray assembled the group in 2019 as a live vehicle, but quickly realized its multivalent creative possibilities. He signed the band to a deal with the roots label Ropeadope and entered The Feeder Loft studio in Detroit with recording engineer Salar Ansari and a host of prestigious guests from throughout his own musical history that included trumpeter/flugelhornist Rayse Biggs (Was (Not Was), Geri Allen, Kem), keyboardist Luis Resto (Eminem, Rolling Stones, Was (Not Was), Patti Smith, Anita Baker), percussionist Larry Fratangelo (Was (Not Was), Bootsy, Parliament/Funkadelic, David Ruffin), djembe player Sowande Keita and veteran McMurray guitar ace Adell Showboat Shavers. Black Light Collective released their self-titled debut in the summer of 2020. ~ Thom Jurek, Rovi