“This show will capture the sheer joy of making music,” says jazz guitar great Grant Geissman who has a special concert at the historic El Portal Theatre, Saturday, September 24, at 8 pm.
Geissman will showcase his CD release “BLOOZ,” which is currently the #1 ‘Most Added Record’ on the Jazz Week Jazz Chart. The numbers on the new album have a bluesy vibe that “make you feel good.” There’s something for everyone with Grant’s CD exploring the many forms of blues and interpretations: mournful blues, rockabilly-style, gospel and Latin influenced, funky, the blues shuffle, and much more. “I even have a bluesy rumba,” Grant teases. Plus tunes from throughout his long and respected career as a musician and composer. If you ever had that theme from Two and a Half Men stuck in your head, you can thank Geissman for his composition. He has played on other TV themes include Monk and Mike & Molly.
Geissman’s band will feature the best of the best of the top musicians in town. “There’s a quintet for the show, including guitar, bass, piano and woodwind players. The legendary Tom Scott on sax will play with us, he’s played on my other records as well,” says Geissman.
It’s hard to put Geissman’s music into one category. His sound is contemporary but also classic. His tunes are super catchy, and there’s always a surprise in the melodies. Describing his style he says, “I like melodies when I write. That seems to be missing in newer instrumentals.”
Geissman has been part of music history as a musician and composer for many years. It started being part of the “A” Band (a competitive and a well-known jazz program) while studying at CSUN. Geissman was asked to join Chuck Mangione for one gig in Santa Monica, which turned into a touring and recording relationship for decades. Flugelhorn master Mangione had Geissman do the now iconic electric guitar solo on the mega hit “Feels So Good.”
“Unbelievable, at 24 I was with Chuck Mangione for the sold out Hollywood Bowl concert in 1978. That was the ‘Live at the Hollywood Bowl’ recording some say was the best live album of all time.” Their long history together includes Geissman’s acclaimed recording Cool Man Cool (2009), which featured Mangione performing with jazz legend Chick Corea on the Geissman composition “Chuck and Chick.”
Grant’s respected skills on guitar had him touring around the world with Steve Tyrell, plus playing and/or recording with the greats, such as Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Van Dyke Parks, Brian Wilson, Robbie Williams, and Michael Feinstein; plus jazz favorites Lorraine Feather, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, and David Benoit. And even recording with his personal heroes, Ringo Starr and Klaus Voormann, among many others.
There will be fascinating little stories Geissman will relate about his life and his journey through music history. “I have a story for every song. Why it was written, what was happening, my inspiration for all the music, and more,” he reveals.
A couple of his favorites: “I have a song ‘Minnie Lights Out.’ It postulates about, what if super hot Minnie Mouse left this Mickey guy? What would that sound like? And I’ll do ‘Grandfather’s Banjo’ while playing on my grandfather’s banjo. When I was a kid, my grandfather, an amateur musician, and I would play together, he on banjo, me on guitar. That’s where I absorbed my passion for music.”
What drives Geissman nowadays? “A love of music. I love to play and interact with other musicians. Writing songs, getting them recorded, seeing how people like them. If you’re a musician, that’s who you are. I never think about retiring. All I want to do is entertain audiences.”
From coast to coast, Geissman has played Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, New York’s beloved Carlyle Hotel, the Hollywood Bowl, and now Grant brings his artistry and passion for music to the historic El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood’s NoHo Arts District.
“Music can be such a positive force. It can make people feel better. I just want to tell people it’s time to get out and enjoy life. I have a great show and I want people to have a fantastic time with good music for music lovers.”
Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 8 pm, offers a memorable musical evening with Grant Geissman and his band showcasing the “BLOOZ” CD release, on the Debbie Reynolds Mainstage at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in the NOHO Arts District, North Hollywood, CA.
For tickets and information call 818-508-4200 or online at www.elportaltheatre.com.
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