Born: September 23, 1947 | Died: June 1, 1996 Primary Instrument: Piano
Don Grolnick was a subtle and rather underrated pianist throughout his career, but his flexibility and talents were well known to his fellow musicians. Grolnick played in rock bands while a teenager but was always interested in jazz. He worked in the early fusion group Dreams (1969-1971), the Brecker Brothers (starting in 1975), and in the early '80s with Steps Ahead.
He has long been a busy session musician often utilized by pop singers. In the 1980s, Grolnick appeared in many settings including with Joe Farrell, George Benson, Peter Erskine, David Sanborn, John Scofield, Mike Stern and the Bob Mintzer big band. Don Grolnick is heard at his best on his 1985 debut, “Hearts and Numbers” (remastered and reissued in 2011 on Art of Life Records, www.artofliferecords.com), and on his two Blue Note albums, which have been reissued as a double-CD.
In a short time Don became a sought-after session musician. Don eventually worked on hundreds of recordings with artists like Linda Ronstadt, Steely Dan, and Bonnie Raitt. In 1974, he began what was to become a long musical partnership with James Taylor.
Don Grolnick was a very talented pianist and composer whose death in 1996 at the age of 48 from cancer was a major loss. The modern mainstream jazz heard on London Concert was recorded by the BBC during Grolnick's last jazz tour, but there is no decline in his playing. The five lengthy selections (four of the leader's originals and a passionate version of “What Is This Thing Called Love”) are full of adventure and include some of the most exciting recorded solos of tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker and trumpeter Randy Brecker along with excellent spots for Marty Ehrlich (heard on alto and bass clarinet) and trombonist Robin Eubanks. Grolnick's playing is also on a high level, and he sounds quite happy during his verbal introductions. Essential music.
Hearts and Numbers - featuring Michael Brecker
Record Label: Art of Life Records
Catalog Number: AL1042-2
Year Released: 2011
Tracks:
1. Pointing at the Moon
2. More Pointing
3. Pools
4. Regrets
5. The Four Sleepers
6. Human Bites
7. Act Natural
8. Hearts and Numbers
Originally released in 1985 on Hip Pocket Records.
Personnel:
Don Grolnick: Piano (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 8), Synthesizer (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8), Fender Rhodes (3)
Michael Brecker: Tenor Saxophone (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7)
Hiram Bullock: Guitar (6)
Clifford Carter: Synthesizer Programming (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8)
Peter Erskine: Drums (3, 4, 5 & 6), Cymbals (7)
Steve Jordan: Drums (1 & 6)
Tom Kennedy: Acoustic Bass (4)
Will Lee: Bass (1 & 3)
Bob Mann: Guitar (4)
Marcus Miller: Bass (5)
Jeff Mironov: Guitar (1, 3, 5 & 7)
As a Leader
The London Concert
Record Label: Fuzzy Music
Catalog Number: PEPCD008
Year Released: 2000
Tracks:
1. Heart of Darkness
2. Band Intro
3. Or Come Fog
4. Five Bars
5. Spot That Man
6. Don Alias Intro
7. What Is This Thing Called Love
Personnel:
Don Grolnick: pianist, composer, arranger & leader
Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone
Randy Brecker: trumpet & flugelhorn
Marty Ehrlich: alto saxophone & bass clarinet
Robin Eubanks: trombone
Peter Washington: bass
Peter Erskine: drums
Don Alias: percusion (7)
As a Leader
Medianoche
Record Label: Warner Bros.
Catalog Number: 9 46287-2
Year Released: 1996
Tracks:
1. Catta
2. Rainsville
3. Water Babies
4. Medianoche
5. Cape Verdean Blues
6. Heart of Darkness
7. If Ever I Should Leave You
8. Rojo y Negro
9. Oran
10. Night Song
Personnel:
Don Grolnick: piano
Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone
Dave Valentin: flute
Mike Mainieri: vibes
Andy Gonzalez: bass
Don Alias: timbales & percussion
Steve Berrios: bongos, drums & percussion
Milton Cardona: congas & percussion
As a Leader
Nighttown
Record Label: Blue Note
Catalog Number: CDP 0777 7 98689 2 6
Year Released: 1992
Tracks:
1. Heart Of Darkness
2. What Is This Thing Called Love
3. One Bird, One Stone
4. Nighttown
5. Genie
6. Spot That Man
7. The Cost of Living
8. Blues For Pop
Personnel:
Don Grolnick: piano
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone
Marty Ehrlich: bass clarinet
Steve Turre: trombone
Dave Holland: bass
Bill Stewart: drums
As a Leader
Weaver of Dreams
Record Label: Blue Note
Catalog Number: CDP 7 94591 2
Year Released: 1990
Tracks:
1. Nothing Personal
2. Taglioni
3. A Weaver of Dreams
4. His Majesty the Baby
5. I Want To Be Happy
6. Persimmons
7. Or Come Fog
8. Five Bars
Personnel:
Don Grolnick: piano
Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone
Randy Brecker: trumpet
Bob Mintzer: bass clarinet
Barry Rogers: trombone
Dave Holland: bass
Peter Erskine: drums
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