Jazz Articles about Grant Geissman

About Grant Geissman

Album Review

Steve Rawlins: Word on the Street

Read "Word on the Street" reviewed by Don Ball

by Don Ball
September 6, 2026

Steve Rawlins has been known as more of a behind-the-scenes kind of guy than a band's frontman for the past few decades, but that may be changing with his release Word on the Street. Rawlins is accredited for his work as an arranger and musical director for artists such as Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler, and Chaka Khan, as well as for television programs such as The Merv Griffin Show, The John Davidson Show, and Academy Award and Emmy Award ceremonies. ...

Album Review

Sylvia Brooks: Soliloquy

Read "Soliloquy" reviewed by Jacob Sylvester

by Jacob Sylvester
August 29, 2026

Jazz vocalist and songwriter Sylvia Brooks embarks on an ambitious lyrical odyssey on her sixth recording, Soliloquy, released on SBM Records. As a classically trained mezzo-soprano with a three-octave range, Brooks utilizes an expressive and agile instrument to illuminate the challenges, heartbreaks, and wonders of life. The album is framed as a work of Lyric Jazz comprising four standards and four originals co-written with pianist and arranger Christian Jacob, backed by a talented band. The project brings together strong artistic ...

Album Review

Mark Winkler: Hold On

Read "Hold On" reviewed by Pierre Giroux

by Pierre Giroux
September 7, 2025

Throughout his extensive career, Mark Winkler has been a steadfast presence on the Los Angeles jazz scene, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and captivating vocalists in contemporary jazz. With Hold On, his 22nd album, Winkler continues to demonstrate that artistic growth and creative curiosity remain central to his work. While many artists with such a prolific discography might be tempted to rest on their laurels, Winkler continues to push forward, creating new material and thoughtfully reimagining ...

Liner Notes

Lorraine Feather's Language Turns A Witty Phrase

by Ken Dryden
March 31, 2023

I got to know Lorraine Feather through reviewing several of her CDs, amazed by her gifts as a lyricist and singer, who was equally at home with witty songs and tender ballads. I first met Lorraine when she was performing at the late lamented Manhattan club Danny's Skylight Room with pianist Shelly Berg. We would chat during IAJE conferences and I was delighted when she invited me to write the liner notes for this CD. This release stands the test ...

Radio & Podcasts

Grant Geissman, Nicholas Payton and Art Blakey

by Joe Dimino
December 4, 2022

We begin the 779th Episode of Neon Jazz with a tune from guitarist Grant Geissman's new album Blooz. From there, we hear from one of his early mentors in Chuck Mangione. We get a bit of Chicago flair from singer Tracye Eileen and the great King Oliver. As the episode marches on, we hear new music from Andres Vial, Jason Yeager and Kansas City Guitarist Brian Baggett live at the Green Lady Lounge. We wrap all of the up with ...

Album Review

Grant Geissman: Blooz

Read "Blooz" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
October 27, 2022

There are several ways of judging the success of a recording. Perhaps a hearing makes the listener, if a musician, want to sit in and jam. That is a good sign. Then there is the “sit still test." For many, the direct, emotional and physical connection between music and brain leaves them simply hanging out, absence of motion impossible, sitting still not an option. Grant Geissman's Blooz happily passes both tests. Turn the volume up and a blues party comes ...

Album Review

Beverley Church Hogan: Sweet Invitation

Read "Sweet Invitation" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
August 3, 2022

In 1984, an American writer named Harriet Doerr published a compelling novel called Stones for Ibarra (Penguin Books). The novel, partly autobiographical, was about rural Mexico. Ms. Doerr's novel was her first. It won a National Book Award. Doerr had attended university for a bit but dropped out to raise a family. She was 74 years old when the book was published. Of course, there was a small sensation, because few of us break into print in our ...