Joe Gransden's Big Band

BOOK YOUR TABLE NOW! THIS WILL BE A SOLD OUT SHOW!

Come join Joe and his Smokin’ 16 piece Big Band for a swingin’ evening of Jazz. You’ll hear arrangements from the songbooks of Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Wes Funderburk and others along w/Joe’s originals. Joe has put together 16 of the finest jazz musicians in the Southeast to bring you an evening of great Big Band music.

World renowned trumpeter and vocalist Joe Gransden has performed worldwide with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and most recently spent the last year performing alongside saxophone great Kenny G. Known first for his hard bop approach on the trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.

When: Monday, May 21, 2012 – 8:30PM
Where: Cafe 290 – 290 Hilderbrand Drive – Sandy Spring, GA
Tickets: $10

For more information, visit http://www.cafe290atlanta.com/ or http://www.joegransden.com

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Trivia Question:

What is the name of the Big band that Louis Armstrong got his start with when he first arrived to Chicago?

Deadline:    Sun., May 20, 2012

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Phil Davis

Phil Davis is a GRAMMY award winning producer, keyboardist and engineer whose credits include work with numerous local, regional, and national artists. Maintaining a client list containing the likes of: Al Jarreau, Norman Brown, Boney James, Alex Bugnon, Walter Beasley and many others, is testament to both quality and success. Phil’s mission has always been to make quality music, all of the time, and to promote the Atlanta Underground Sound. “Atlanta has so much to offer to the music community as a whole and it deserves to be heard. I try to provide a vehicle where talent that might not get heard otherwise is exposed and embraced. We all have something to say,” Phil states.

Additionally, PhD Productions’ own extensive catalog consists of a vast range of original songs, many of which have been recorded by both major label and indie artists and writers alike. Among the latest client releases, is Alex Bugnon’s new CD title: Southern Living. The whole project was produced and recorded in Atlanta and the company is very proud about that.

When: Sunday, May 20, 2012 – 7:00pm
Where: Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge – 840 Marietta Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets: $10 / 2 for $15

For more information, visit http://www.acoustixjazz.com/ or http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=1109

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Trivia Question:

Acoustix Jazz Restaurant & Lounge is located at the corner of what two streets?

Deadline:     Sat., May 19, 2012

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Will Scruggs

I’m presenting a new project that I’ve been developing this Spring along with pianist Rich Rowlinson and bassist Tim Delaney.  It’s called “Will Scruggs Plays Pretty for the People” (a name inspired by this classic record).   Although I’m still blowing plenty of saxophone with this new band, the project has allowed me to focus a lot more on my vocals, developing a unique repertoire of classic jazz standards and novelty songs from the 1930’s and 40’s.  The group has a really nice, mellow vibe, and we enjoy entertaining – playing tunes people like to hear and creating a connection with the audience.

In addition to his success as a bandleader, Will Scruggs is quickly making a name for himself as one of the top-call saxophonists in the Southeast.  In 2002 he was featured as a special guest soloist with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the Emory Symphony Orchestra. Since 2003 he has appeared on over 25 albums, including records produced by Dallas Austin, Noel Alphonso, and Oliver Wood.  As a member of the Funderhorns, Will can be heard on Leavin’, the newest record from Eight-time Grammy ® Award winner Natalie Cole.  He also performed with Ms. Cole at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and the Apollo Theater in New York City.  Scruggs has toured extensively with singer/songwriter Chris Cauley and his newest project, CC Booker III feat. Will Scruggs, a SoulJazz  collaboration between musicians in ATL and NYC.  He also performs regularly with vocalist Audrey Shakir and Atlanta supergroup, Kingsized.  Scruggs spent much of 2009 branching out, performing with ‘New-Grass’ legend John Cowan and recording commercially with Cee-Lo.

When:         Saturday, May 19, 2012 – 9:30pm & 11:30pm Show
Where:       Churchill Grounds Jazz Cafe – 660 Peachtree Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:      $10

For more information visit, http://www.churchillgrounds.com/ or http://www.willscruggs.com/

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rivia Question:

What school did Will Scruggs attend for his undergraduate studies?

Deadline:     Fri., May 18, 2012

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Adron

ADRON is the nom de guerre of Adrienne McCann, young singer and songwriter who has been lately rejuvenating the pop music scene in Atlanta, Georgia. Adron seamlessly blends Classical harmony with the playfulness of ‘60s Brazilian Tropicàlia, the earnestness and sentiment of 70′s songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Harry Nilsson, and the cerebral sincerity of the hymn song. Adron has infused her newest full-length record, Organismo, with an international texture and a remarkably vintage, yet highly original and polished modern sound. She adds to her songs a unique array of embellishments such as bird calls and other vocalizations, sometimes using her voice to mimic the instrumentation of a full orchestra, and sometimes singing in Portuguese and French, using language as another instrument. Her youthful exuberance and adroit musicianship together form a style both distinctive and pleasing, but it is her rare ability to meld genre, geography, and musical epochs that reveal the true breadth of Adron’s talent.

Scheduled for an end-of-the-year release, Organismo features also the extensive collaboration of versatile and virtuosic percussionist Colin Agnew, and keyboardist Chris Case, as well as Ryan Donald and Josh Martin, both members of another notable Atlanta indie band, Little Tybee. Other sounds on the record include flute, harpsichord, marimba, Moog synthesizer, a full Brazilian Maracatú arrangement, and a varied assortment of random non-musical objects found in the studio. Outside her work on Organismo, Adron has collaborated with artists such as Prefuse 73, Helado Negro, The Selmanaires, Francis & The Lights, and Little Tybee. Her plans for the next year include a tour of the United States and abroad, and the development of material for her next two albums: one a concept album about death and mazes called Thanatrópica, the other a follow-up to Organismotentatively entitled Mãos.

When:         Friday, May 18, 2012 – 8:00PM
Where:        Eddies Attic – 515-B North McDonough Street – Decatur, GA
Tickets:      $15 Adv. / $18 Door

For more information, visit http://www.eddiesattic.com/ or http://www.adronworld.com/

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Trivia Question:

Which of the following instruments does Adron not play? (Harp, Ukelele, banjo, bamboo flute)

Entry Deadline: Thursday, May 17, 2012

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Danny Harper

Danny Harper is keeping straight-ahead jazz going strong in Atlanta. He has had a #1 Billboard hit & commenced the jam sessions at the world renowned Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. Danny’s jam session bring out the diversity in jazz by featuring seasoned vocalist performing jazz & blues classics, up & coming young musicians and cutting edge jazz formats that include poetry.

Danny Harper’s jam session attracts a variety of people ages 20 to 70, including both locals and tourists. The musicians and audience together make up a racially diverse crowd. Celebrities such as rap star Ludacris, singer India Arie, comedian Ron White, and actress Winona Ryder have all patronized of Churchill Grounds. Anyone who comes is sure to feel welcome.

Churchill Grounds is an intimate place similar to a European lounge. Its candle-lit tables and pictures of jazz legends on the wall help make it a shrine to jazz. It attracts some of the city’s best musicians like Joe Gransden, Russell Gunn, and WCLK radio personality Riva Blue. Producer and actor Tyler Perry used the venue as a setting for his 2005 film “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” Part of Churchill Grounds’ appeal is the musical melting pot along with the different styles of jazz such as vocal jazz and bluesy jazz.

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When:          Tuesday, May 15, 2012 – 9:30pm to 12:30pm
Where:         Churchill Grounds Jazz Cafe – 660 Peachtree Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:       $7

For more information visit, http://www.churchillgrounds.com/

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Jersey Boys - The Musical

“Too good to be true!” raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide–all before they were 30! Jersey Boys, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” “It will run for centuries!” proclaims Time Magazine.

What is Jersey Boys Like? Upbeat, slickly produced and fast-paced, Jersey Boys appeals to diehard fans of the Four Seasons and audience members less familiar with the group’s extensive catalogue of hits. Unlike most jukebox musicals, the show boasts heavy emphasis on storytelling, which adds to its universal appeal.

When:                May 22, 2012 thru June 10, 2012
Where:               Fabulous Fox Theatre – 660 Peachtree Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:             $20 – $135

For more information visit, http://atlanta.broadway.com/shows/jersey-boys-baa/ or http://www.foxtheatre.org/

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Eric Essix

In 2000, while signed to Zebra Records, Eric Essix decided to explore the soul, R&B, gospel and country music that he grew up listening to in his home state of Alabama. It was the start of a musical journey that began with “Southbound” followed by “Somewhere In Alabama” on his own Essential Recordings label in 2004 and now has brought him full circle with his latest offering, ”Birmingham”.

Eric recorded his debut album as a solo artist in 1988 for Nova Records called “First Impressions” and 15 albums later he is still making music that moves; that captures the imagination…that touches the emotions. Eric’s last three recordings have been particularly revealing and personal, giving the listener an up close look at the man behind the music and the place he calls home.
Home is Birmingham. Eric grew up there in the midst of the turbulent 1960’s and, after an initial introduction to the guitar by the Beatles, got his start as a performer in the church. Today gospel music still informs and influences everything he does, however, early exposure to Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix greatly contributed to Eric’s sound and style as a guitarist. His trademark “southerness” is evident on the CD “Birmingham”, which highlights some of the people and experiences from the city of his birth and is equally apparent on his latest 2010 release, the Christmas collection, “My Gift To You”.

When: Sunday, May 13, 2012 – 7:30pm
Where: Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge – 840 Marietta Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets: $15 General / $20 VIP

For more information, visit http://www.acoustixjazz.com/ or http://www.ericessix.net/home.html

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Trivia Question:

What is the name of Eric Essix’s second CD release?

Entry Deadline: Friday, May 11, 2012

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Leon Foster Thomas

Leon Foster Thomas”Through his playing, he was transformed into one of the mythical char- acters—the spirit of the pans. It’s as if when he plays, he becomes one with the steel pans before the audience’s eyes. His artistry is unrivaled. His playing style riveting. And his stage personality domi- nant. He is absolutely charm- ing and works intensely hard at his craft, both as a musician and composer, yet makes it look so effortless.” – New York Amsterdam NewsTo date Leon has produced one live Jazz album with his band Krossover Jazz and is currently working on his solo album to be released this summer. He has performed at countless jazz festivals, classical concerts and carnivals throughout the Caribbean, the United States and Europe. Foster has performed and worked with world–renowned artistes inclusive of James Moody, Nathan Davis, Mark Whitfield, Billy Taylor, Abraham Laboriel and Melton Mustafa.Foster is currently the arranger for Miami Pan Symphony Steel Orchestra which has won the Annual Miami Carnival Bomb Competition for the last three years. The band comprises high school and college students of Caribbean descent. His vision for the future is to arrange for a conventional steelband in his native Trinidad as well as continuing to perform and compose.

When:         Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 9:30pm & 11:30pm Show
Where:       Churchill Grounds Jazz Cafe – 660 Peachtree Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:      $15

For more information visit, http://www.churchillgrounds.com/ or http://www.leonfosterthomas.com/fr_intro.cfm

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Trivia Question:

What is the name of Leon Foster Thomas debut Cd release ?

Deadline:     Fri., May 11, 2012

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Curley Taylor

Known for their smooth harmonies and Motown-era influences, this young band makes audiences want to stay on the dance floor. Curley Taylor, on accordion and lead vocals, has played with some of Louisiana’s most legendary musicians. The band has become an Atlanta favorite.  Sponsored by the Atlanta Cajun Zydeco Association (ACZA).

Curley Taylor was born and raised in Louisiana and has been around music all of his life. At the age of 16 Curley started playing drums. His father’s band (Jude Taylor & His Burning Flames) which is deep in Louisiana Blues, Soul and Zydeco. By the age of 25, Curley had played drums for some of Louisiana’s finest legends including: CC Adcock, Steve Riley, John Hart, Lil’ Bob of the Lollipops and his uncles Lil’ Buck Senegal and Wayne ‘Blue’ Burns. He traveled with CJ Chenier, also considered a great Louisiana legend. While traveling with Mr. Chenier, Curley found an interest in playing the accordion. After practicing and playing the accordion, Curley enjoyed it. He was told he “played the drums and the accordion with great emotion and natural feeling.” Curley purchased an accordion and learned to play it in about six months. During this time, friends Keith Clements and Erick Minix approached Curley and asked him to start his own band. Soon after agreeing to record a CD, Geno Delafose offered Curley a job playing the drums in his band. He began working with Geno and worked for him for several years. Curley found it hard to practice while traveling and touring, but found a way to produce his first CD Country Boy. This CD is Curley’s first produced project.

When:             Saturday, May 12, 2012 – 8:00pm
Where:            Knights of Columbus Post 660 – 2620 Buford Highway NE – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:          $5 Students / $14 ACZA Members / $17 General

For more information visit, http://www.aczadance.org/ or http://www.curleytaylor.com/

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When:                   Friday, May 11, 2012 – 9:00PM
Where:                  Cafe 290 – 290 Hilderbrand Drive – Sandy Spring, GA
Tickets:                $10

For more information, visit http://www.cafe290atlanta.com/ or http://www.myspace.com/willgreenjazz

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Trivia Question:

What is the name of William Green’s backing band?

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