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Catch the Spirit with Grant Green’s Evolution of Funk, Performing in Our Studio

Grant Green Jr. Band at WBGO

Grant Green is the subject of two newly released recordings of incredible jazz guitar: one from the late 60’s in France, and the other showing Green’s transformation from straight-ahead playing to a more funk-influenced style, captured in Vancouver.

Green — described as a “chameleon” by Bob Porter in his book, Soul Jazz: Jazz In The Black Community, 1945-1975 — could lay down inspired lines on his favorite Charlie Parker tune, and then lay into a Beatles composition, some James Brown and more. He appealed to players from Herbie Hancock to Lou Donaldson to Larry Young, up through today, via hip-hop artists like A Tribe Called Quest and Kendrick Lamar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQswVtILA2c&feature=youtu.be

This incredible guitar expression is the force behind Grant Green’s Evolution of Funk, a group made up of guitarist Grant Green, Jr., saxophonist Donald Harrison, pianist and organist Marc Cary, bassist Khari Cabral Simmons and drummer Mike Clark. This collective, playing through Sunday at Jazz Standard in New York, stopped by Morning Jazz to share the groove of one of the true masters of the musical merge.

Band personnel:

Grant Green Jr., guitar
Donald Harrison, sax
Marc Cary, piano/keys/organ
Mike Clark, drums
Khari Simmons, bass

Audio: Corey Goldberg
Videographers: Chris Tobin & Mariah Matthews

In jazz radio, great announcers are distinguished by their ability to convey the spontaneity and passion of the music. Gary Walker is such an announcer, and his enthusiasm for this music greets WBGO listeners every morning. This winner of the 1996 Gavin Magazine Jazz Radio Personality of the Year award has hosted the morning show each weekday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. And, by his own admission, he's truly having a great time.