Year: 2006
Record Label: Hot Shoe Records
Style: Various Jazz Styles
Review: “Plays and Sings” shows Joe Gransden’s talent and
explores his musical creativity. Listen as Joe paints. He uses his
playing, singing, writing, arranging as his colors. His ability to mix it
up is shown by his collaborations with the varied styles of his special
guests. Joe incorporates Eric Alexander’s arrangements adding depth and
romance to his ballads. He “throws down” in a musical bebop boxing match
with fellow Atlanta trumpeter Russell Gunn on “DJ.” Rene’ Marie helps
create the magic on “Let’s Take a Chance Together.” Listen for the fun
captured here. You may be inspired to “take a chance” as well. Who
says jazz is not comfort food?
Clint Eastwood with whom Joe has a strong musical
friendship lends his composition “Why Should I Care?” Joe’s Vocals and
Harmon-muted trumpet breathe just the right amount of life in this track to stay
true to the title. Grammy winner Earl Klugh shows his skills with a
fantastically understated accompaniment.
Next, a little about Joe’s rock-solid bandmates.
Neal Starkey’s bass lines provide the just the right foundation. He is
always at the right place at the right time. Clay Hulet’s drumming is
solid and playful. He is a driving player who is in control no matter
the style or the tempo. He listens, and makes use of the space provided.
This kind of playing is hard to make sound easy. Well done Clay.
Kevin Bales and Kenny Banks bring amazing talent and taste to each tune on
keyboards. Both are “smoking” and masterfully supportive depending on what
the music calls for. They provide playing that gives the soloist room to
create in the moment.
Jerry Weldon's saxophone playing is a total
“WOW.” He is totally at ease with each tune. Jerry musically toys with
each tune playing his own cat and mouse game. He knows exactly what
he is doing and does it very well.
With “Sings and Plays” Joe fills the page and
provides the listener a variety of musical styles. We get well-known
standards, storytelling ballads, and straight-ahead swinging bebop and something
new with several originals
Joe Gransden’s voice and horn sounds have a
unique identity. Joe is influenced by those before him, but the
comparisons now fall short. Joe has found his groove and he is a joy to be
with musically. It is rare today to find an entertainer that inspires the
listener dress up, get up, and dance the night away. Joe draws the
listener to his/her feet. Joe calls out the romantic spirit in everyone
within earshot.
Whatever Joe’s great-great grandmother’s spoon “put
in the pot” it turned out a great musician, performer and entertainment.
Joe Gransden has a winner’s attitude toward life. He engages with his
interested listeners and appreciates the response he gets from the
audience.
On a personal note, during a recent weekend getaway
with my family, we caught a set of Joe with his quartet at the Ritz Carlton
Lodge at Lake Oconee, GA. My eight year old daughter, Payton, worked
up her courage to request “I Thought About You” one of her favorite jazz songs.
Not only did Joe perform the song, he sang the lyrics directly to and for
her. Joe made an impression on Payton and (on her dad) that will not soon
be forgotten.
Thank you, Joe for sharing your art. You are
special.
Bruce Pulver, March 2006
These are my comments. I welcome
yours. Reach me at Bpulver2004@yahoo.com.
Tracks: On Green Dolphin Street, Don’t Give Up, After the Lovin’, High Heal Sneakers, Let’s Take a Chance Together, Seasons, The First Time, Why Should I Care?, Blue ‘n’ Boogie, My Funny Valentine, DJ, Between Logic and Passion
Record Label Website: http://www.Hotshoerecords.com
Artist's Website: http://www.joegransden.com
Reviewed by:
Bruce Pulver
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