JOE GRANSDEN
Anthony Dominick Benedetto ~ August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023, known professionally as Tony Bennett, was an American jazz and traditional pop singer. He received many accolades, including 20 Grammy Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and two Primetime Emmy Awards. Bennett was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree and founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York. He sold more than 50 million records worldwide and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Who better to pay tribute to this legendary performer than Atlanta’s consummate jazzman, Joe Gransden! At 42 years old, Joe has already performed worldwide and released 14 CDs under his own name. Renowned first for the hard bop approach of his trumpet, Gransden’s singing voice has been compared to that of Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra.
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The Jazz Voyager
Leaving the land of longhorns, cowboy boots and chili for one of the most expensive cities to live in the Midwest nicknamed Tree Town. Within the boundaries of this city of Ann Arbor is where this Jazz Voyager is heading downtown to catch a new group at The Blue Llama. Located at 314 South Main Street, Michigan 48104, the club operates nightly from Wednesday to Saturday.
It will be an interesting evening as I have never heard The Eastside Jazz Collective. is a 5-piece group with vocals by Adrienne Pisoni that is based in Southeast Michigan. I’ve heard they play classic jazz and swing featuring songs made popular by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday along with some contemporary tunes. I am anticipating an enjoyable evening.
Like the music I find the cuisine tempting and will be dining on crispy deviled eggs, black-eyed pea hummus, sorbet and beignets. For those who are requiring more information go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/the-eastside-jazz-collective.
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AUDREY SHAKIR: THE QUINTET
The Quintet is the creation of renowned vocalist Audrey Shakir and saxman Vinnie D’Agostino. This innovative group draws on the swinging sounds of horn led hard bop. The set will be performing the swinging jazz of Ray Charles, Louis Jordan and James Brown.
The Band: Audrey Shakir ~ vocal, Vinnie D’Agostino ~ Saxophone, Louis Heriveaux ~ piano, Craig Shaw ~ bass, Dave Potter ~ drums.
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The Jazz Voyager
Austin, Texas is the next stop for the Jazz Voyager where I’ll be visiting a jazz spot called Parker Jazz Club. A world-class basement lounge designed by a musician, for musicians nestled in the heart of downtown Austin’s Warehouse district, where the best dining and entertainment venues reside. Within the walls every microphone, cable, speaker, wire, baffle, table, and chair was meticulously hand chosen for the purpose of serving the music.
This week taking the stage is vocalist Kenny Williams whose 25 year career has lit up stages with a tornado of talent and charisma. The Austin native studied voice at the University of Texas, and cut his teeth as an actor and an entertainer in clubs on the city’s famed 6th Street. Born to entertain, and his star shines brightly. He is a truly gifted vocalist, while his spirit, energy, and passion will bring you back for more.
The venue is located at 117 W 4th Street, #107b, 78701. For those requiring more information go to https://notoriousjazz.com/event/kenny-williams.
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THE COPA KINGS
A night of swingin’ Rat Pack music reminiscent of Las Vegas in its prime! The Copa Kings were formed out of a desire to breathe new life into some of the great jazz standards of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s. With great reverence, the band brings a unique passion, artistry, and flair to the jazz music of this period. Led by frontman Billy Murphy, the Austin-based Copa Kings pay homage to some of our country’s greatest jazz songwriters and performers, including Frank, Billie, Ella, Louis (Armstrong and Jordan), Dean, and Ray.
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