Joe Gransden is a jazz trumpeter and vocalist.  He hails from New York, but has made a splash on the Atlanta Jazz scene with his straight ahead musical styling.  He's a local gem because he's able to wow the audience not only with his trumpet playing but also with his smooth vocal sounds.  His stage presence is reminiscent of a cross between Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra.  So whether you like your jazz "straight" with no chaser or "smooth" and groovy, Joe aims to please. 

We catch up with Joe and talk about his upcoming CD where he collaborates with Kenny G, shares his thoughts on the Atlanta jazz scene and finally Joe talks about the importance of ear training for new jazz musicians.

Conversations-n-Jazz interview with Joe Gransden...

Download | Duration: 00:34:15

In the late 1800 in New Orleans, a variety of cultures (African, Native American, European, Caribbean and Latin American) lived, worked and struggled together.  Each culture brought their own customs, language, and music.  As the "melting" took place, the masses found a new way to communicate with one another; through a newly created language called Jazz.

Jazz is often thought of as a genre that's hard to define because there are so many variations of the music; from Avant-garde, Bebop and Big Band to Fusion, NuJazz and Smooth Jazz.  Which ever form suits your fancy, one thing is clear...you appreciate good music.  Victor Goines is just as difficult to define as well.  He's a multiple reed musician (playing saxophone and clarinet), educator (currently the Director of Jazz Studies at North Western University), band member (the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis' Septet), band leader (of his own band) and composer/arranger.  Whether you've heard Victor play locally with his own band or on an internationally stage supporting another musician, one thing remains the same....he plays beautiful music.

Conversations-n-Jazz interview with Victor Goines...

Download | Duration: 00:36:51

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