Michael Grossman

My name is Michael Grossman and I am a pianist and composer. I studied extensively with Dennis Sndole in the 70's and my compositions are the result of his influence. I lived in New York for 15 years and in 1990 pulled out and moved to Barcelona, Spain. I am currently teaching at the Taller de Musics there as well as freelancing. Last year my CD AS IT APPEARS was released featuring top players such as John Stubblefield, Mike Clark and Tony Garnier. Also, my composition Time of Arrival was recorded by Bill Ware's group on the KnitFac label.

Feel free to contact me at groberg@diandel.com about these tunes, Dennnis Sandole, jazz in Barcelona, or the jazz scene in your country, particularly in Europe.

Michael's Tunes

Express On. This is an uptempo burner. It's 14-measure form and unusual chord structure make for an interesting dialog. Some musicians extend the A part one measure more because it feels more comfortable improvising in 6-measure phrases. Also, the melody can be used as a point of departure for free-based playing. It was first recorded in December, 1979.

Morbid Desolation. This ballad of 8 measures never fails to bring the house down, even here in Barcelona. Because of its interesting melody and progression, it's easy to project a lot of feeling. And John Stubblefield did just that on my CD AS IT APPEARS. I usually play the opening statement up front and it builds until it gets really rock steady.

As It Appears. A lilting delicate waltz with a hint of mystery. For me it demonstrates the beauty that exists in jazz today.

Soul Scents, page 1 and page 2. I have been playing this song for 22 years now and it still sounds fresh. Sounds good as a relaxed or bright latin/bossa. Very lyrical. Interesting progression.

Tell it to the Judge. Very modern. The title is from a poem written by poet/bassist Charlie Leeds who also appears on Billie Holliday's LADY IN SATIN LP. Its basis is the 7-tone Egyptian scale based on "I Got Rhythm" changes. Watch out for that 11-measure A section. Medium-up.

Blues for Roland. This is the oldest of the bunch, circa 1972. A rocky 12/8 blues feel if you want. You can switch up to a double-time feel somewhere during your solo, but it's difficult. Was to be written for one of my favorite musicians and inspirations Rahsaan Roland Kirk (it should be called "Rahsaan's Blues"). That's right, that blues run in measure 10 starts with a D#. The challenge is to maintain a blues flavor while playing on the changes. Lyrics available upon request.

Time of Arrival. This tune got circulated quite a bit in the 80's in New York due to the enthusiasm of Bill Ware, vibist with Steely Dan and the Jazz Passengers, among others. Played up and bright with plenty of "chispa" (as we say in Spain).