Charlotte is lucky to have immediate access to a wealth of talent, centrally located on the East Coast. Middle C Jazz has curated a reputation among the artist community that attracts and showcases the cream of the crop.

Just a few hours’ drive away, Atlanta is famous for heavy traffic, a giant airport, and its rich RnB and hip-hop history. Yet beneath the booming bass lies a steady, swingin’ rhythm that taps into the city’s older soul. At its very center is Joe Gransden, world-class trumpeter and vocalist. For decades, Gransden has been a fixture of the music scene, bringing big band jazz and the Great American Songbook to audiences across Georgia and beyond. He can command a massive 16-piece orchestra on a theater stage, then perform an intimate duet at a local bistro the next night.

Gransden’s musical power stems from roots deep in American music history. Raised in Buffalo, music was a way of life in his home. “My father was a talented singer and pianist who took me along to late-night jam sessions,” shares Gransden. “And going back further, my grandfather was a professional trumpeter who once shared stages with big band icons like Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.” This precious inheritance is evident, as Gransden breathes life and story into every note of a song.

He masters two distinct skills at the highest level. He is a fiery trumpet player with a hard-bop style that is sharp, aggressive, and full of creative energy. And then, when he steps up to the microphone to sing, his voice transforms into a smooth, warm croon that has earned him frequent comparisons to jazz legends Chet Baker and Frank Sinatra. Famous fans like Clint Eastwood and Smokey Robinson have praised his old-soul voice and innate ability to connect with any crowd.

A true jazz ambassador, Gransden plays hundreds of shows a year at venues ranging from the Blue Note in New York to local spots like Napoleon’s in Decatur. Fronting his big band, he acts as both a time traveler and an innovator. The arrangements, often crafted by trombone great Wes Funderburk, give the swing era a bold, contemporary punch.

His new album released just this March, “Let’s Take A Chance Together”, offers a fresh twist on classic love songs that reinforces his skill at bringing a vibrant, fresh touch to classic songbook and swing.

Gransden has spent a lifetime honing a voice distinctly his own, built on a respect for tradition and a genuine love for his audience.

There is no better choice for two upcoming performances at Middle C Jazz that aim to celebrate this perfect merging of jazz greats for today. On June 28th, Joe celebrates “The New Romantics” – Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr., Norah Jones, and Diana Krall. Then on August 9th, he celebrates the centennial of the great Tony Bennett, a collaboration with Tony Bennett’s daughter, vocalist Antonia. Keep your eye out for more from Joe in September as well.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Scott Homewood.