Joe Gransden jazzes up GMC

On a rainy day in June, inside the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts, a young man took the stage with his trumpet, and took the audience by surprise with his sound. He wore a simple black suit, nothing flashy, nothing fancy. It was reflective of the way he likes his jazz – classic and pure.

He seemed to channel the greats -- reviving glimpses of Chet Baker, Count Basie, Bennett and ‘Ol Blue Eyes – and took listeners back to the day when jazz was king.

Joe Gransden, an Atlanta-based trumpeter and vocalist, brought his trio and a few special guests to jazz up GMC’s recent “Summer Celebration.” Their musical line-up was a cohesive mixture of both classic standards and original compositions.

First planned as an outdoor concert on Grant Parade, the performance was presented in part by Allied Arts. The weather may have driven it indoors, but it didn’t drive away the excitement as guests filled the

Following the concert, guests made their way into the Atrium where they enjoyed an elegant and tasteful reception, catered by Southern Affairs. Here, they had a chance to mingle with the evening’s performers and get an autograph from the musician who has become a jazz sensation.

A New York native, Gransden was born into a talented and musically-diverse family who nurtured his early ambitions to become a musician. Drawn to jazz, he immersed himself in the music of the masters. After high school, he hit the road as a sideman for gigs with living greats like Barry White, Aretha Franklin, The Moody Blues and Kenny Rogers.

By the time he had his own spotlight, he had developed a sound that was all his own, sending a buzz through the modern jazz scene. His arrangements were fresh, his voice smooth and his trumpet mellow. He soon found a loyal following in New York and another in Atlanta, where he now lives with his wife, Charissa.

He’s also found fans among a few celebrities. On a chance, he sent his work to Clint Eastwood knowing he and his wife were jazz lovers. He could hardly believe it when they invited him out to California to perform at one of their parties. Eastwood has described Gransden as a “young man with an old soul and classic voice.” He introduced Gransden to Kenny G at another of his private parties, sparking a friendship that later led to joint performances and recordings.

Kenny G is currently producing Gransden’s new CD, expected to be released by the end of the year, and hopefully in time for his next trip to Milledgeville.

Gransden will return with his “Smokin’ 16-Piece Big Band” for a must-see Holiday Concert at GMC on Dec. 10 as part of the Steinway Concert Series.

Allied Arts is once again partnering with GMC to bring the performance to the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and a coffee and dessert reception with the artists will be held immediately following the performance.

Tickets will be available at the Goldstein Center for the Performing Arts prior to the performance. For more information please contact the Office of Advancement at 478-387-4840 or Allied Arts at (478) 452-3950.