Joe Gransden

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Joe Gransden

At 38 years old, Joe Gransden has already performed worldwide and released seven CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, his singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.

Joe Gransden is from New York City. Coming from a family full of musicians, his introduction to music came early on through his father, a gifted singer and pianist. His grandfather was a trumpeter of merit, playing professionally his whole life throughout New York. On his mother's side of the family was the piano virtuoso Carmen Cavallero.

"Music has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember, "says this unassuming Atlanta Trumpet Player. "I can remember practicing with my father, and eventually him taking me along to sit in at jam sessions. Early on I developed a respect for individuals like my father whose lives revolved around music. While still in high school, I knew that music was the life I would choose."

Joe Gransden collaboration

Not long after high school, Joe Gransden was on the road as a sideman with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. A number of A.F.M. contracted sideman gigs include Barry White, The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Whispers, etc. Eventually moving to New York City, he performed with numerous groups, including sub work with Toshiko Akiyoshi and Chico O'Farrill. Meanwhile, Joe Gransden formed his own group, which performed in Brooklyn each week and included the venerable guitarist Joe Cohn and ex-Betty Carter bassist, Matt Hughes. "Having my own group and being fortunate enough to travel, play, and record has been a dream come true," says this artist.

"Exploring the music with a steady group of great players has enabled me to continually grow." Joe Gransden's Trio growing legion of fans in both New York, and recently in Atlanta have obviously taken note. In Atlanta, where his trio plays steadily four nights a week in as many venues, his loyal following includes an array of people from blue-collar workers to upper crust businessmen who all share a love of good music.

"I've always felt that a musician's responsibility is to be true to the music," says this artist. "I think it's also important to maintain and nourish a sense of beauty--those positive feelings and emotions that can come through song."

Joe Gransden influences

Like many developing jazzmen, Joe Gransden's early influences, which include Kenny Dorham and Miles Davis, were easily recognizable in his playing throughout his formative years. "Emulating the jazz greats is always the very first step," says the historically-rooted musician. "But obviously, in order to be true to myself -- who I am, what I believe in, my family background -- I need to have a sound that's my own. It's taken me until recently to hone in on that voice and explore its potential. One of the truly enjoyable things about my career has been finding that my audience appreciates my individual talents."

A widening schedule has found Joe Gransden performing at The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, South Carolina, The Museum of Art and Design in midtown Manhattan, Spivey Hall in Atlanta, Ga and Tehema Golf Club in Carmel, California (where he recently played a party for Clint Eastwood). He also just released his brand new cd produced by Saxophone great Kenny G. The cd is a collection of smooth jazz covers and originals written by him and Kenny. He has been performing with Kenny G and his band around the country for the past year or so.

Fellow musicians across the country hear a talented trumpet player whose ace in the hole is a well-developed voice. But around Atlanta and New York he is also a well-respected human being, a nice guy who treats people fairly. He has always managed to keep every aspect of his career and life in balance. In this tempestuous decade, Joe Gransden's lyricism is like a breath of fresh air.

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Country United States
City Atlanta
State/Province Georgia
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8 responses to “Joe Gransden”

  1. Carl says:

    “…[this artist] trumpet playing and singing are deep rooted in the history of Jazz.
    a true pleasure to listen to…”
    Carl Anthony – Host Serenade to the City – Jazz 91.9 FM WCLK

  2. Bob says:

    “[This artist] is undoubtedly one of the finest “pure” musicians on the jazz scene today. He has helped build our reputation as a jazz club because, in his several appearances at our club on Hilton Head Island, he has demonstrated his mastery as a cool trumpeter, but more importantly, his vocal stylings allow him to carry on the Chet Baker legacy, while simultaneously establishing his own niche in the jazz marketplace as a brilliant young man on the move with his horn and voice.”
    Bob Masteller, Owner of The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head, SC)

  3. Dina says:

    “… with his talent, smoothness, precision and humor, puts the ‘class’ in ‘classic jazz vocals’. He is sure to ignite a whole new generation of jazz fans.”
    Dina Eastwood, Actor/Producer

  4. Bob says:

    “…is an extraordinary musician. His singing, reminiscent of great jazz and pop singers of the past, is a style entirely of his own. His trumpet playing creates jazz that is unique, creative and melodic.”
    Bob Weiner, CEO and Chairman of Constantine Carpets LLC

  5. Smokey says:

    “[This artist] has an innate ability to connect with an audience.His singing and trumpet playing are world class. Throw in his 16 Piece Big Band and you have something very special!”
    Smokey Robinson, Grammy Winning Singer,Song Writer and Producer

  6. Michael says:

    “I love listening to [this artist] perform because he has a marvelous connection with the music he plays and sings. His innate understanding of interpreting classics is something that you can’t learn, it’s natural. He is a great musician!”
    Michael Feinstein, Singer/Piano Player

  7. Clint says:

    “… He is a great new talent, with a wonderful sense of humor to boot. And don’t forget, he plays a hell of a trumpet!”
    Clint Eastwood, Actor/Director

  8. Kenny G says:

    “… He is an incredible instrumentalist with the technique of a virtuoso. His imagination let’s him improvise as we’ll as anyone on the planet and yet he retains a sense of melody that let’s listeners of all musical tastes enjoy his wonderful playing… Add to this a beautiful singing voice that let’s him do all of the above with words!!!…
    Kenny G – Recording Artist

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