From SmokeJazz.com:

The New York Times wrote, "The apple didn't fall far from the tree," and on Grant Green Jr.'s upcoming Jazzateria release, this may be the understatement of the year. Grant delivers a serving of heartfelt soul with the technical mastery he inherited from his father. The result is an inspiring collection of dynamic rhythms backed by a solid groove.

Grant's dramatic guitarwork is complemented by a stellar lineup of musicians that includes bass player Booker King, pianist Albert Menendez (who co-wrote a few of the selections), the great Brazilian saxophonist Leo Gandelman and special guest Café on percussion.

The CD was released on Jazzateria records (www.jazzateria.com). and is a follow up to Grant's involvement with the successful release by The Masters of Groove (Reuben Wilson, Bernard Purdie, Grant Green Jr., Taurus Mateen), The Masters of Groove Meet Dr. No earlier this year.

The recording, which features the music made memorable in the James Bond classic film Dr. No., hit the #1 most added list on the Gavin Jazz chart. CMJ (College Music Journal) wrote, "gems like BOND II, (the classic Bond theme) and UNDER THE MANGO TREE and THREE BLIND MICE, come alive with an earthy groove quite different from the ska and early Jamaican music featured in the film". Ken Franckling of the United Press wrote, "the younger Green's blistering melodic playing is a session highlight from start to finish".

Grant also provided the guitar work for Reuben Wilson's upcoming release on the Jazzateria label. The energetic grooves captured during these sessions will more than fulfill the expectations of any Wilson/Green fan. The interplay between these two talents is built on the foundation Wilson created while recording and performing with Grant's father. The result is the true essence of what jazz is supposed to be.

2002 will also see the release of a live CD that Grant recorded at the Blue Note in New York City for the club's in house label, Half Note Records. The intimate setting of the Blue Note provided the perfect background to capture a thrilling performance by Grant and his quartet. The CD features a selection of original tunes, special arrangements of cover songs by Sting and Tracy Chapman topped off by a few classic Grant Green grooves.

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As the son of legendary jazz guitarist Grant Green (1931-1979), Grant Green Jr. was exposed to exceptional musicianship and superb guitar playing right from the start. Growing up in the Palmer Woods section of Detroit, Grant enjoyed a constant parade of jazz greats streaming through his living room and at the tender age of five, with his hands barely big enough to grasp the guitar, Grant Jr. played his first chords.

Music was a constant fixture in the Green household. In addition to the flow of music heard in house, Grant's Detroit neighbors included Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight along with members of both the Four Tops and the Temptations. Not surprisingly, it wasn't long before Grant started his first band. At the age of 12, his first group was called Hot Ice and included his next door neighbor, Timothy, Stevie Wonder's younger brother. Still, as his father and friends like Miles Davis made impromptu jam sessions in their home, Grant Jr. listened and learned.

Grant eventually settled in New York City where he fine-tuned his craft in the many blues and jazz clubs throughout Manhattan. His ability to blend funky grooves with the melodic soul-jazz and blues made him a popular session player and musician's musician. Among his initial recordings Grant released two albums in the mid-90's for the Japanese market, Jungle Strut and Back to the Groove which were never released in the U.S.

In 1998, Grant helped maintain his father's legacy as a featured artist on the compilation CD, A Tribute to Grant Green. Released on Evidence Records, this album presents a moving tribute to Grant Jr.'s father by assembling some of jazz guitar's freshest and finest talents including Peter Bernstein, Russell Malone, Dave Stryker, Ed Cherry and Mark Whitfield. The CD also features Larry Goldings and Idris Muhammed. It is a stellar tribute to the gifted guitarist who recorded with the Blue Note label for almost ten years.

In April of 2001, D'Angelico Guitars added a Left-Handed version of their most popular model, the beautiful NYL-2 to their product line. And, in the tradition of perfect timing, D'Angelico welcomed Grant as their newest D'Angelico artist.

Here then is the son of Grant Green, following in the footsteps of his father, mastering the guitar and taking it to a higher level. Hear him for yourself!