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Grand Marquis |
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The Grand Marquis have that classic, timeless 'straight-from-the-Kansas City-speakeasy' sound while injecting a vibrant relevance into their brand of hot swinging jazz & jumping blues. Versatile and buoyant, distinct and refreshing - a rhythm cocktail served by masterful musical mixologists. The Grand Marquis' music can bring to mind a variety of settings and places as well: Prohibition-era KC, the streets of New Orleans, 1950's Memphis and even 1930's Paris. But their sound remains grounded in a roots influence that keeps inspiring the Grand Marquis to create, innovate and build off a solid foundation of American music. Theirs is a style that defies the limitations of category, whether jazz, blues or swing, yet finds favor with a wide audience culturally, demographically and inter-generationally. Their fifth and latest recording "Hold On To Me" follows almost three years behind their last, "One More Day." In that time we can hear the band continue to mature and broaden their focus a bit, while staying right in their wheelhouse: swinging, bluesy 'party' jazz. Their original material (such as Night is For Lovers) stands solidly besides jazz classics (Exactly Like You) and forgotten gems (The World Is Waiting For the Sunrise). Sultry songs (Sway) bump into low down blues (St James Infirmary Blues) and Dixieland stomps (Milenberg Joys). This is definitely a recording to hold on to for years to come. Bryan Redmond - vocals; soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones Although he's been in Kansas City for several years, Bryan hasn't strayed too far from his west Tennessee roots. He has been playing saxophone since grade school, singing in gospel groups at church and studying locally at UMKC before emerging on the Kansas City music scene. Wielding a myriad of saxes, he can unleash a soulful, dynamic approach and rough, dark tone that hearkens back to the days of roadhouses and juke joints or paint from a softer shaded palette with ease. His voice is tailor-made for the Grand Marquis sound; in his clarion baritone he can shout the blues, croon a mellow ballad or conjure images of Calloway.
Chad Boydston - trumpet Chad made his way to the Grand Marquis from Iowa, where they have been growing trumpet players since Bix Biederbecke. A University of Northern Iowa alum, he has rubbed elbows with some greats, including Wynton Marsalis. His father plays trumpet as well, and passed on his talent to Chad. Influenced by Louis Armstrong, Bix Biederbecke and Clifford Brown, Chad’s powerful sound blended with his virtuosic technique is a force to be reckoned with.
Ryan Wurtz - guitar Ryan Wurtz, a Topeka, Kansas native, made his way to Kansas City, graduating from the Conservatory of Music at UMKC under the direction of Bobby Watson. He studied jazz under Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey, and Hal Melia while rocking out in local bands including Blackout Gorgeous and Archetype. His captivating, melodic phrasing and rootsy versatility are the perfect addition and compliment to round out the Grand Marquis sound.
Ben Ruth - upright bass, sousaphone, backing vocals A Kansas City native, Ben has played bass in several groups, including the orchestra at UMKC. That technical background he gained melded with a penchant for rock and roll. He has honed the slapping rhythmic style of jump blues and rockabilly to a frenetic art form, contributing a raw, driving force to the band’s sound. He not only lays down a dexterous bass groove but can improvise with the best of them. Extremely versatile, Ben has added sousaphone to his low-end arsenal for that street party flavor that gets the crowd moving.
Lisa McKenzie - drums, washboard Lisa has been playing drums since her teens, drawing on a background of diverse musical styles, and has amassed a wealth of experience playing all over the country over the past several years in various groups. She has studied percussion not only locally, but in Ghana, and that African influence is evident in her trademark sound. A multi-faceted percussionist, Lisa has included washboard and marimba in her repertoire. She is an integral asset, playing driving, energetic rhythm always in the pocket.
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