“When I first heard Joe nine years ago, I immediately thought of Chet,” says Jazziz magazine critic James Rozzi, “but lately his voice has taken on its own style with a deeper resonance.  His trumpet has always alternated lyricism with an aggressive, angular approach.  He has the ability to cover the gamut of emotions.”

Joe is from just north of Manhattan, in Yonkers, New York.  Coming from a family full of musicians, Joe’s introduction to music came early on through his father, a gifted singer and pianist.  His grandfather was a trumpeter of merit, playing professionally his whole life throughout New York.  On his mother’s side of the family was the piano virtuoso Carmen Cavallero.

“Music has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember,” says the unassuming Joe Gransden.  “I can remember practicing with my father, and eventually him taking me along to sit in at jam sessions.  Early on I developed a respect for individuals like my father whose lives revolved around music.  While still in high school, I knew that music was the life I would choose.”

Not long after high school, Joe was on the road as a sideman with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.  A number of A.F.M. contracted sideman gigs include Barry White, The Moody Blues, Kenny Rogers, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, The Whispers, etc.  Eventually moving to New York City, he performed with numerous groups, including sub work with Toshiko Akiyoshi and Chico O’Farrill at the famous Birdland Jazz Club.  Meanwhile, Joe formed his own group, which performed in Brooklyn each week and included the venerable guitarist Joe Cohn and ex-Betty Carter bassist, Matt Hughes.  “Having my own group and being fortunate enough to travel, play, and record has been a dream come true,” says Joe.

“Exploring the music with a steady group of great players has enabled me to continually grow.” Joe Gransden growing legion of fans around the country have obviously taken note.  In Atlanta, where Joe plays steadily 5-6 nights a week in as many venues, his loyal following includes an array of people from blue-collar workers to upper crust businessmen and businesswomen who all share a love of good music.

Like many developing jazzmen, Gransden’s early influences, which include Kenny Dorham and Miles Davis, were easily recognizable in his playing throughout his formative years.  “Emulating the jazz greats is always the very first step,” says the historically-rooted Gransden.  “But obviously, in order to be true to myself—who I am, what I believe in, my family background—I need to have a sound that’s my own.  It’s taken me until recently to hone in on that voice and explore its potential.  One of the truly enjoyable things about my career has been finding that my audience appreciates my individual talents.”

A widening schedule has found Joe performing the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month at Café 290 in Atlanta , The Jazz Corner in Hilton Head, South Carolina, The Museum of Art and Design in midtown Manhattan, Spivey Hall in Atlanta, Ga and Tehema Golf Club in Carmel, California (where Joe regularly plays events for Clint Eastwood). Joe also just released his brand new cd “Close To My Heart” produced by Saxophone great Kenny G. The cd is a collection of smooth jazz covers and originals written by Joe and Kenny. Joe has been performing w/Kenny G and his band around the country for the past year or so.

Fellow musicians across the country hear a talented trumpet player whose ace in the hole is a well-developed voice.  But around Atlanta and New York Joe is also a well-respected human being, a nice guy who treats people fairly.  He has always managed to keep every aspect of his career and life in balance.  In this tempestuous decade, Joe’s lyricism is like a breath of fresh air.