Jazz Articles about Grant Geissman

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Grant Geissman: Say That!

by John Kelman
January 8, 2006

He's back! Grant Geissman is perhaps best known as the guitarist whose solo on Chuck Mangione's 1977 hit “Feels So Good" elevated it, at least while it lasted, from pop/jazz confection to something more substantial. He has spent much of the ensuing years releasing albums that, despite being well-crafted, often veered too close for comfort to smooth jazz territory. But those who still have their vinyl copy of his 1978 debut, Good Stuff--an album richly deserving of CD release--know that ...

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Grant Geissman: Say That!

by Jim Santella
January 5, 2006

Grant Geissman returns to his straight-ahead roots with Say That!, which features searing originals embedded with tradition. The title track reflects the spirit of Wes Montgomery and the heyday of the organ combo. Geissman describes his idea for the album as “Wes Montgomery meets Horace Silver meets Jimmy Smith." You can't go wrong with that. Other originals reflect the smoother approach of contemporary jazz, as well as the hard bop roots that he inherited while growing up in the San ...

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Cheryl Bentyne: Let Me Off Uptown

by Greg Thomas
November 14, 2005

Away from the multi-Grammy winning Manhattan Transfer, soprano Cheryl Bentyne has taken this opportunity to put together a fine tribute to the under-appreciated Anita O'Day. The caliber of musicianship is top-notch, with Bill Holman conducting the “Mighty Little Big Horns, a group of first-rate Los Angeles musicians, among them Pete Christlieb, a robust tenor saxophonist heard just briefly on the closer, the O'Day original “Waiter, Make Mine Blues. Trumpeter Jack Sheldon sits in on a few numbers, ...

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Cheryl Bentyne: Let Me Off Uptown

by C. Michael Bailey
April 19, 2005

Some listeners will be completely satisfied with transparent pop vocalists like Mariah Carey. Others can only be satisfied with densely difficult jazz vocalists, like Lisa Sokolov or Betty Carter. But, as in politics, there also exists an enormous moderate middle ground, a population which craves musical excellence but may not crave the experimental edge. Cheryl Bentyne's new recording is perfect for the latter group.

Let Me Off Uptown, Bentyne's tribute to one of the most talented and difficult ...