The Detroit-based swing band Planet D Nonet was founded 16 years ago by its co-leader’s percussionist RJ Spangler and trumpeter James O’Donnell. Blues To Be There follows the pattern set by their previous albums with each release focusing on a particular artist or theme. Projects to date have included homages to Sun Ra, Fletcher Henderson, Billy Strayhorn, Township Jazz, Thelonious Monk and Louis Jordan. Most recent was their 2022 Tribute To Buddy Johnson.