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Suzanne Grzanna

From New York – Paris – Japan – Russia – Los Angeles – Chicago, Suzanne Grzanna has made a prominent world-wide name for herself.  She has performed at prestigious halls such as the Blue Note, Birdland, Preservation Hall, Cinegrill, and the Hollywood Bowl.  Suzanne has had such sit-ins with players such as Frank Morgan, Dave Hazeltine, Bryan Lynch, Betty Carter, Ray Brown Jr., Charles McPherson, John Hurd, and Jeff Goldblum to name a few.  Her unique talent of not only being a dazzling saxophonist but also a sultry vocalist…can make you melt in your seat.             The sound of Grzanna Jazz is somewhat a hybrid of classic jazz, pop standards, original compositions, and funky tunes all clearly influenced by Suzanne’s unique and contemporary style.  She has released six CD’s, with a new one coming out this next year. Her music has won rave reviews from both the critics and her fans.  Says the Pasadena Weekly, “Her smoky voice and skillful sax set her apart from many other jazz performers, both those of her own age and beyond.”   Suzanne Grzanna began her jazz career at age five when she studied piano.  She grew up in a small suburb of Milwaukee, WI and flourished in music from the beginning.  Her parents, Don and Maureen Grzanna, are notable musicians who taught her the discipline of the craft.  As a very young girl, I would always see my father performing around the city. I had aspirations of performing since that time. My mother taught me piano lessons and I competed in many piano competitions and won many awards in jazz and classical music. In fifth grade, I started the clarinet and in seventh grade I started playing the saxophone. I was in Band, Jazz Band, and Choir all throughout High School. Ms. Grzanna was also a member of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus starting at the age of eighteen.  Suzanne attended Wisconsin Lutheran College for a few years and proceeded to graduate from Carroll University with a degree in Music.  College was important for the aspiring musician, and after graduation proceeded to follow her dream of starting her own jazz quartet.   In 1994, Suzanne Grzanna released her first album titiled “The Cat’s Meow.” This put her on the map and gave her the opportunities to perform around the United States. Her video, “The Cat’s Meow,” also got rave reviews on BET Jazz. This introduced her not only to the US, but also to the world.

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114
Album Review

Suzanne Grzanna: Fly Me to the Moon

Read "Fly Me to the Moon" reviewed by Jack Bowers


According to the sleeve notes on Fly Me to the Moon, Milwaukee--based Suzanne Grzanna has a growing list of admirers. Wish I could count myself among them, but she'll have to produce something far more persuasive than this before that happens. Grzanna doubles on vocals and alto sax, and needs a lot of work in both areas. On this recording she's easily outdistanced by her sidemen, especially pianist Hazeltine. Grzanna sings on half a dozen selections, uncloaking a quavering, little--girl ...

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Music Industry

Suzanne Grzanna Graces the Cover of Volume 6 of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment

Suzanne Grzanna Graces the Cover of Volume 6 of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment

Source: All About Jazz

The Federation of American Musicians, Singers and Performing Artists (FAMSPA) announced this week that Suzanne Grzanna will grace the cover of volume 6 of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment. The title of this new volume is: Entertainment Greats From the 1800's to the Present: Cinema, Music, Divas, Legends. It is authored by Maximillien de Lafayette who has to his credits 114 books, 3 encyclopedias and several world premiere musicals. One of his plays was produced ...

“Ms. Grzanna is one of the best female entertainers in the United States,” Maximillien de Lafayette, International bestselling author, historian and stage producer

“She’s a stunning saxophonist, with a flair for gorgeous, powerful solos and energy to drive her band into sweaty bop workouts,” Shepherd Express 2006, Milwaukee, WI

“A dazzling performer to behold, she’s always a crowd pleaser,” Eugene Weekly, Eugene, Oregon “Suzanne Grzanna’s about as close as you can get in this biz to a sure bet,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel It “swings comfortably with clever lyrics and the sax solos showcase Grzanna’s soulful sound and strong tone,” John Gilbert Jazz Critic

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Wedding Day

Diva Records LLC
2016

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Daybreak

Diva Records LLC
2016

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Christmas Night

Diva Records LLC
2008

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Simply Sunday

Diva Records LLC
2005

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My Santa Baby

Diva Records LLC
2004

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Fly Me to the Moon

Diva Records
1999

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