Sinatra Returns: Joe Gransden

Back for another year! Georgia-based performer, Joe Gransden, joins the Ziad Jazz Quartet for an encore tribute performance dedicated to Frank Sinatra.

Being compared to Frank Sinatra and Chet Baker, at 38 years old Joe Gransden has already released eight CDs and performed worldwide. Distinguished first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden has been able to alternate lyricism with an aggressive, angular approach.

Gransden was introduced to music at an early age. His father was a gifted singer and pianist while his grandfather was a professional New York trumpet player. Originally from New York, Gransden now travels across the United States performing at venues such as The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, South Carolina, The Ritz-Carlton at Reynolds Plantation W/Michael Fienstein, The Museum of Art and Design in midtown Manhattan, Spivey Hall in Atlanta, Ga and Tehema Golf Club in Carmel, California (where Joe regularly plays events for Clint Eastwood).

"Emulating the jazz greats is always the very first step," says the historically rooted Gransden.  "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." – Joe Granseden

Not long after high school, Joe 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 at the famous Birdland Jazz Club.  Meanwhile, Joe 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 Joe.

PERFORMANCE

Concerts are performed at 6 and 8:15 p.m. with no intermissions. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. concert and 7:45 p.m. for the 8:15 p.m. concert. General seating is first come, first served. Enjoy light bites and a cash-only bar. Standing room only is available after all seats are claimed.

TICKETS

Tickets are $16 for the public and just $10 for museum members. Buy tickets online, over the phone at 704.353.9209 or at the admission desk. View the full 2019-’20 Jazz at the Bechtler lineup here.

Image: Joe Gransden