Nate Topolewski is a saxophonist and pianist who has established himself as a well-known member of the Detroit music community. He has spent the past few years organizing educational jam sessions in Detroit’s Eastern Market and Cass Corridor, welcoming special guests like Martha Reeves and James Carter. James even gave him the nickname “Mr. True-Tone.”
Recently, Nate released his debut album with Detroit Jazz masters Ralphe Armstrong, Gayelynn McKinney, Vincent Chandler, Chuck Newsome, Scott Gwinnell, and others. The project features his original compositions inspired by Detroit’s Motown legacy and its traditional Jazz scene. Nate has also been featured on CBS, WDIV Live in the D, and WXYZ and was selected to perform with the J.C. Heard Allstar Band for the 2022 & 2023 Detroit Jazz Festival.
Nate‘s vintage saxophones are integral to his unique sound. His lineup includes a 1919 tenor, 1926 alto, 1906 soprano, and a 70’s baritone. This helps Nate replicate the sounds of artists who have inspired him from a young age. Ralphe Armstrong once said of Nate, “He sounds like Joe Henderson on the doggone tenor saxophone.”