Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Biography

Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble is the latest project from legendary Detroit musician, producer, and Blue Note Records president Don Was. Born Don Edward Fagenson in Detroit in 1952, Was grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant musical culture, absorbing influences from blues, jazz, soul, and the raw energy of Detroit’s streets. He first rose to prominence as co-founder of the funk-soul group Was (Not Was), which achieved commercial success in the 1980s with hits like 'Walk the Dinosaur.'

After decades as a Grammy-winning producer for artists such as Bonnie Raitt, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, Was returned to his roots with the Pan-Detroit Ensemble—a collective of top-tier jazz and soul musicians from Detroit. The group embodies the city’s signature groove, blending soul-jazz, roots rock, and improvisational spirit. Their debut album, released in 2025, marks the first time Was’s name has appeared as the lead artist on a recording, despite his nearly fifty-year career. The band’s sound is characterized by a rawness and lack of pretension, reflecting Detroit’s musical heritage and the collaborative energy of its members.

The Pan-Detroit Ensemble features long-time collaborators such as saxophonist Dave McMurray and keyboardist Luis Resto (known for his work with Eminem), alongside Vincent Chandler (trombone), John Douglas (trumpet), Jeff Canady (drums), Mahindi Masai (percussion), Wayne Gerard (guitar), and Steffanie Christi’an (vocals). Their performances and recordings celebrate Detroit’s musical diversity, drawing enthusiastic audiences both locally and internationally, including a recent tour in Japan with Norah Jones. Don Was’s legacy as a connector, innovator, and ambassador for Detroit music continues through this ensemble, which stands as a testament to the city’s enduring influence on American music.

Fun Facts

• Don Was's first commercially successful band, Was (Not Was), was known for the quirky hit 'Walk the Dinosaur.'
• Despite a fifty-year career, the Pan-Detroit Ensemble's debut album is the first to feature Don Was's name as the lead artist.
• Keyboardist Luis Resto won an Oscar for co-writing Eminem's 'Lose Yourself.'
• The Pan-Detroit Ensemble recently toured Japan, performing alongside Norah Jones and sharing Detroit's musical heritage with international audiences.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Sinclair - Influenced Was through Detroit's 1960s counterculture and musical activism. (General influence, no specific collaborative works.) [1960s-1970s]
• John Coltrane - Jazz stylistic influence from Was's formative years. (General influence, no direct collaboration.) [1960s]
• Miles Davis - Jazz stylistic influence from Was's formative years. (General influence, no direct collaboration.) [1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Dave McMurray - Long-time collaborator, saxophonist in Pan-Detroit Ensemble and Was (Not Was). (Was (Not Was) albums, Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [1980s-present]
• Luis Resto - Keyboardist, Oscar-winning collaborator with Eminem, member of Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• Vincent Chandler - Trombonist in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• John Douglas - Trumpeter in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• Jeff Canady - Drummer in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• Mahindi Masai - Percussionist in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• Wayne Gerard - Guitarist in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]
• Steffanie Christi’an - Vocalist in Pan-Detroit Ensemble. (Pan-Detroit Ensemble debut album.) [2024-present]

Artists Influenced

• Norah Jones - Collaborated and toured with Pan-Detroit Ensemble, exposed to Detroit musical ethos. (Japan tour performances.) [2025]
• John Mayer - Was introduced Mayer to Bob Weir, facilitating cross-genre collaborations. (Collaborations with Bob Weir.) [2010s]
• Taylor Swift - Was has publicly praised Swift's artistry and songwriting, influencing her approach to production. (General influence, no direct collaboration.) [2010s-2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)
2. Midnight Marauders (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)
3. Nubian Lady (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)
4. This Is My Country (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)
5. You Asked, I Came (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)
6. Insane (Groove In The Face Of Adversity)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia