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.