Joe Gransden
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Joseph Robert Gransden | |
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| Born | January 7, 1971 Yonkers, New York, U.S. |
| Origin | Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Occupations | Musician; Trumpeter; Singer; Composer; Educator; Entertainer |
| Instruments | Trumpet; Vocals |
Joseph Robert Gransden (born January 7, 1971) is an American jazz musician, trumpet player, singer, entertainer, music educator and composer.
Early life and education
TEST Edit.. Gransden was born in Yonkers, NY but spent most of his childhood in Buffalo, NY. Coming from a family of musicians, he was exposed to the art form early in life. His father is an accomplished jazz piano player, his grandfather was a busy freelance trumpet player in NYC, and his grandfather on his mom’s side is a cousin of pianist Carman Cavallaro.
His earliest influences were Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Frank Sinatra and he knew at 10 years old that playing the trumpet would be his life long career. After High School he attended Fredonia State College and Georgia State University receiving his degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance.
Career
1990s: Big band
In the early 1990’s, Joe toured with both the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, eventually settling in New York City where he continued to hone his craft.
2000's: Solo career and band leader
Gransden came into prominence during the mid 2000’s with The Joe Gransden Big Band, which performed at many top venues including The Blue Note NYC and Dizzy’s Lincoln Center.
In 2002, upon relocating to Atlanta, Georgia he formed his trio and worked restaurants, clubs, jazz venues, private parties and concerts 6-7 nights per week for years. During this time, his singing came into the forefront with his voice being compared to that of Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker.
Gransden's performances attracted notable personalities such as actor/director Clint Eastwood that has resulted in a personal relationship that continues today. Clint Eastwood organized the 2007 Pebble Beach Pro Am golf tournament and through that relationship, Gransden both performed his music and played golf in this tournament.[1] In 2009, a collaboration with saxophonist Kenny G resulted in the release of the album “Close to My Heart”.[2] Kenny G was also a guest soloist on the title track of Gransden's 2017 release of the album “Go Getta”.[3]
In 2016, Gransden was awarded the 'Jazz Journalist Award' for his contributions to the jazz scene in Atlanta, GA.[4]
In 2017 he co-founded 'Joe’s Jazz Camp', a week long jazz intensive summer camp for middle and high school students. The camp was highly successful and continues to grow, year over year.[5]
Gransden’s sideman career as a trumpet player includes gigs with Kenny Rodgers, Barry White, The Moody Blues, Gino Vannelli, Diana Krall, Smokey Robinson and many more.
As of 2025 Joe continues to perform throughout the country with his trio, quartet, quintet and full 17 piece big band and has released 19 recordings under his own name.
Discography
| Year Recorded | Title | Genera | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | I Waited for You | Jazz | Brass Menagerie |
| 1999 | I'll be Seeing You | Jazz | Brass Menagerie |
| 2000 | In Grand Style | Jazz | Rhapsody Records |
| 2002 | Charissa’s Song | Jazz | Brass Menagerie |
| 2004 | Live at the Rialto | Jazz | Brass Menagerie |
| 2006 | I’ll Be Home for Christmas | Holiday Jazz | Brass Menagerie |
| 2006 | Plays and Sings | Jazz | Hot Shoe Records |
| 2009 | Close to My Heart | Smooth Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2010 | Live at Churchill Grounds | Jazz | Hot Shoe Records |
| 2011 | Live at Cafe 290, It’s a Beautiful thing | Big Band Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2013 | Uncharted | Free Jazz | Behip Records |
| 2013 | Dichotomy | Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2013 | Jazz Contrasted, Tribute to Kenny Dorham | Jazz | Hot Shoe Records |
| 2014 | Songs of Sinatra & Friends | Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2014 | I Wish You Love | Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2017 | The Christmas Song | Holiday Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2018 | Go Geta | Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2023 | The Art of the Song | Jazz | Cafe 290 Records |
| 2024 | Can't Take my Eyes Off of You | Jazz (Single) | Cafe 290 Records |
Film
Respect 2021[6]
References
- ↑ "AT&T PEBBLE BEACH NATIONAL PRO-AM PAIRINGS". The Mercury News. 2007-02-10. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ Close to My Heart by Joe Gransden on Apple Music, 2009-10-06, retrieved 2025-08-15
- ↑ Go Getta by Joe Gransden on Apple Music, 2018-04-26, retrieved 2025-08-15
- ↑ Bunny, Under (2016-04-01). "2016 Jazz Heroes". JJA Jazz Awards. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ "Joe's Jazz Camp – Joe Gransden". 2025-08-15. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ↑ "Joe Gransden | Actor". IMDb. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
External links
This article "Joe Gransden" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles taken from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be accessed on Wikipedia's Draft Namespace.