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Don Grolnick

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.


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Liner Notes

Steve Khan: Arrows

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Extended Analysis

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204
Album Review

Don Grolnick Group: The London Concert

Read "The London Concert" reviewed by John Kelman


When Don Grolnick passed away in '96 at the age of 48, the music world lost a figure perhaps better known to his peers than a larger fan base. And yet, while you may not recognize the name, if you've listened to Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Michael Brecker, John Scofield and, in particular James Taylor, for whom Grolnick was musical arranger and pianist for over twenty years, then you've at least inadvertently been touched by his significant talent as pianist, ...

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Recording

Don Grolnick & Michael Brecker-"Hearts and Numbers" Art of Life CD & Digital Download Release

Don Grolnick & Michael Brecker-"Hearts and Numbers" Art of Life CD & Digital Download Release

Source: Michael Ricci

Art of Life Records is pleased to present the CD reissue of pianist and composer Don Grolnick's first solo album, “Hearts and Numbers—featuring Michael Brecker," which was originally recorded and released in 1985 on Hip Pocket Records and has been out of print for over twenty years. Featuring saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist Hiram Bullock, synthesizer programmer Clifford Carter, drummer Peter Erskine, drummer Steve Jordan, bassist Tom Kennedy, bassist Will Lee, guitarist Bob Mann, bassist Marcus Miller and guitarist Jeff Mironov. ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The Complete Arista...

Legacy Recordings
2012

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Hearts and Numbers -...

Art of Life Records
2011

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Hearts and Numbers

Art of Life Records
2011

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Medianoche

Nonesuch
2008

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The London Concert

Fuzzy Music
2005

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