Meet Joe Gransden | Jazz Trumpet Player/Vocalist/Entertainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Gransden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, what do you attribute your success to?
One of the most important factors behind my success is hard work! I knew at the age of 10 years old that I wanted to be a professional trumpet player. I’ve worked hard everyday of my life since then to achieve my goal. It’s a tough climb and sometimes it becomes overwhelming. The key is to never give up. If you love something enough and put the time in you can get there! Seeing yourself improve over the years can also be motivation to continue the journey. I’ve hit many plateaus along the way but I look at those as stepping stones!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Jazz Trumpet Player, Singer, Entertainer and Band Leader originally from New York City. Atlanta has been my home for the past 30 years. I love it here and I’m so proud to call it home! When I started Gransden Music, LLC in 2005 my goal was to continually provided high end jazz for functions across the Southeast and the country. I’ve surrounded myself with some of the greatest and most professional jazz artists around and we always strive to bring the highest level of music possible. We play (pre pandemic) 325-350 gigs per year ranging from concerts, wedding, corporate events to cocktail parties and restaurant gigs! I even host a weekly jam session at Venkman’s. I think we have carved out a nice niche being known as a band that can cover lots of styles and always play to the event. I feel it’s very important to know your audience and to “read the room”.

My most proud musical accomplishment in founding Joe’s Jazz Camp with my partner Lee Watts in 2015. Joe’s Jazz Camp is a week long summer camp for students ages 13-19. This year camp will be held June 5-10 at The Callonwolde Fine Arts Center. Students will experience daily large ensemble playing, small Jazz combo playing, Jazz History, Master Classes, study of the Blues and improvisation as well as final Concerts for all involved! Myself along with members of my Big Band will be on staff each day teaching! It’s such a thrill and an honor to be around such wonderful young minds that are eager to learn!!
For more info: Joesjazzcamp.com

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Atlanta for a few days we would definitely have dinner at Rathbun’s Steakhouse, Arnette’s Chop House & Ray’s on the River. Live music would be in the mix for sure at Venkman’s, Roaring Social, The Velvet Note and Napoleons! I’m sure we would get a round or two of golf in at Bobby Jones golf course! It would be a fun few days for sure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my Shoutout to my parents Robert & Rosalie Gransden! They have shown me so much love and encouragement along the way! I remember telling them as a kid that I decided to become a professional trumpet player. Their eyes lit up and we’ve never looked back. The amount of time, money, sacrifice and dedication they put into helping me reach my dream is endless! All the driving back and forth to private lessons, band rehearsals, summer camps, after-school tutoring, concerts etc…money spent on college, teachers, equipment, books and more. It would have been very tough to make it without them. They are the best!

Website: https://joegransden.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joegransdentrumpet/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-gransden-5b1b8a130/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joegransden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joe.gransden.5/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5Gy3_dL3wjvpEr_GbdkS7w

Other: I host a Jazz Camp for young students every summer: https://joesjazzcamp.com https://www.facebook.com/joesjazzcamp

Image Credits
Ben Rollins Franco Roberts Jeff Roffman Darren English