Close To My Heart

Quote from Kenny G: 'I first saw Joe play when Clint Eastwood invited this 'Unknown' trumpet player to perform at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro Am Golf tournament tee off gala. I was also performing. I think I'm pretty good at recognizing talent and Joe played beautifully that night. Great tone, great phrasing and great personality. And he sings too!! Way too much talent for one guy!! We became instant friends and we vowed to do a project together someday. Well I'm proud to play a part in this CD and I'm very proud to make music with this wonderfully talented guy. Oh.... and by the way, Joe is anything but 'unknown'. He is very well known in Atlanta where he lives and performs to sold out crowds throughout the South East. Enjoy!!' Kenny G Quote from Joe Gransden: 'Well, here it is... my first smooth jazz project! I'm so excited and proud of it! The entire process has been so cool. It's been an amazing learning experience and a heck of a lot of fun! Thanks to Clint Eastwood I was introduced to Kenny G. I had always been a fan of his music, but to sit in with him and play a couple tunes was quite a thrill. As Kenny said, we became quick friends and vowed to collaborate when the time was right. We got our schedules together, and Kenny, Walter Afanasieff and I spent some time at Kenny's pad in Malibu, California. I was so inspired by the beautiful weather, incredible views and great people that composing was almost easy! We wrote and recorded lots of music, trying to find the right fit for me. Walter would sit at the piano, and Kenny and I would play melodies with our horns as Walter harmonized them. I knew early on that these two guys are the best at what they do. They knew right away the direction each song should take. I was in awe of their talent! What a thrill it was to be working with them! We picked a handful of originals, added a few cover tunes, and before long we had 80% of the record finished. A couple more songs contributed by some close friends rounded out the project. The finished CD is something that's very special to me. To work with such great artists and have so many people willing to help is truly spectacular! I hope you hear and feel the love we put into this project! Thank you. Joe'.