GEQ Jazz: News

A series of four roundtable conversations in September, October and November was attended by nearly 400 baby boomers, where they had the opportunity for AARP Michigan to listen more deeply to the voices of African American members to discover ways to build an on-the-ground foundation of service, said Senior Manager, State Operations, Jacqueline Morrison. Held at the Doubletree Fort/Shelby Hotel, downtown Detroit, the 50+ crowd talked about the "For Grown Folks Only" topics: Life Purpose at 50+, Pathways to Health & Wellness, Secureing Your Financial Future, and Civic Engagement. The GEQ Jazz Trio (Guymon Ensley, noted bassist Marion Hayden, and pianist Phil Lesky) heated up the attendees with selections from the legends of classic jazz and be-bop and accompainied "edutainer" and humorist, Ms. Francine Dent.

GEQ's re-release of "Here Put This On." It's the original CD, but with two BONUS tracks not yet heard. The bonus tracks are compositions of Guymon Ensley . . . a latin style number and a sassy blues vocal. They're joining the three swingin original compositions by Ensley and bassist Kerry Lacy, along with hard-hitting arrangements of be-bop post-bop tunes composed and performed by such legends, as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Wayne Shorter and Miles Davis. Click on the CD BABY link below to get it now!!

The Katts arrived in Puerto Rico early the morning of August 9, boarding the Carnival cruise ship "Victory." The ship left port at noon, steaming towards the Island of St. Maarten. The band's pianist, guitarist and drummer (Phil Lesky, Josh Linkner and Nate Winn) did not make the trip with the group this time. Back up keyboard player, Jonathan Dixon and drummer, Peter McAlister came aboard and both just "acted up!"

That same night, GEQ took the stage in the "Ionian Room" on the ship's forth deck. The crowd was sparse that night, but for that and two upcoming performance nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, August 11, 12 & 14 ), the Ionian Room was swingin' "GEQ style."

The band debuted an original composition by Jonathan Dixon that he wrote that day, which he named "Ionian Room." A hard hitting, driving number to which saxophonist, Jeff Ponders added an appealing, flowing horn melody, grabbed everyone by surprise. The band really stretched out, playing two sets from the book of GEQ arrangements and Ensley's originals, taking each song to its limit. Pete continuously drew the crowd in with his effortless drumming style. It seemed that eyes were affixed on him throughout and even well after he finished each solo. Jonathan took listeners to other levels as well with a continuous array of alternate chord progressions and magnificent solo work. Jeff was just acting himself with his wide voicing range and technical skills. Ibrahim, well what can be said. . . he was his normal dynamic self. Guymon held it all together by sticking to the basics, throwing in an occasional "scream" on his trumpet. He displayed what the flugle horn was made to do, and that's to emit the mellow midrange tones that make a ballad or any tune that calls for brass, but needs the soft, less of an edge than a trumpet. At times though, you would think that in the higher range that Guy sometimes plays the flugle in, you would think it was a trumpet.

"Jeff, Ib, Jon and Pete all gave it their all this trip. We all jelled with very little time to rehearse with the subs. I knew that the musicianship of my guys was exceptional and each of them are true professionals. Each night in the room was hot and memorable. The night of August 14 was particularly special, because it was my little brother's birthday. We celebrated Kermit's 54th birthday together in the Pacific, south of the Southern Caribbean Island of Antiqua." - Guymon Ensley

GEQ jammed two afternoons on the Lido Deck, poolside. Saxophonist, Jeff Ponders led the band in a "smooth jazz" set each time that excited even straight ahead listeners. The band's versatility was obvious to the sun bathing, bikini clad onlookers who responded overwhelmingly to GEQ switching gears to smooth jazz.

It was one exiciting time for GEQ. Sharing the bill with international stars: Eric Benet' and Stephanie Mills surely did'nt hurt when it came to adding to the excitement.

STAND BY FOR THE PICTURES ON THE "PHOTO' PAGE

The small, quaint, pitcheresque city of Saugatuck, Michigan hosted a cast of noted jazz artist for two full days (July 31 and August 1, 2009). GEQ rolled in on the festival's second day and took the Coghlin Park Stage by storm at their first show at 1:15pm. The band opened with "A Bientot," a latin style number by the great Billy Taylor, followed by a burnin' original blues by Guymon Ensley, "Nobody Knows I'm Here." After that, Songstess, Pamela Smith then graced the stage with a rendition of "Never Will I Marry." But that performance was cut short by a real storm . . . a sudden pouring that canceled the outdoor music for the remainder of the day. However, it was only one of three scheduled performances for the guys that day.

At the 5:00pm performance at the Saugatuck Brewery Company, the Phil Lesky Trio brought down the house with some rarely played pieces like "Reflections," by Thelonious Monk
and "Voyage," by Kenny Barron. With Ibrahim Jones and Peter McAllister to fill out the group, Lesky's trio got the house's attention and didn't let go till the final number.

GEQ's 8:00pm show, at the Saugatuck Christian Reform Church was the final one of the day. The acoustics in the sanctuary warranted no microphones and very little amplification. Although the crowd was relatively small at the venue, the attendees were obviously die hard jazz lovers that displayed their appreciations for GEQ.

"The Idlewild Jazz Foundation has been behind the success of many jazz festivals and events. The Foundation's President, Gadd Holland, has been behind each of their successes and again, was the driving force behind the 2009 Saugatuck-Douglas Jazz Festival, making it happen. 'Everyone knows that the show couldn't have went on without you Gadd.'" - Guymon Ensley

June 18, 2009 - Southfield "Eat To The Beat" Jazz Series (Southfield, MI)

July 4, 2009 - Comerica City Fesival (Detroit, MI)

August 1, 2009 - Saugatuck-Douglas Jazz Festival (Saugatuck, MI)

January 20, 2008 - B-Jazz Vespers Jazz Series (Birmingham, MI)

June 18, 2008 - Southfield-"Eat To The Beat Jazz Series (Southfield, MI)

July 4, 2008 - Comerica City Festival (Detroit, MI)

August 1, 2008 - Lansing Old Town Jazz Festival (Lansing, MI)

August 2, 2008 - Sterling Heights "Sterlingfest" (Sterling Heights, MI)

August 10, 2008 - Detroit International Jazz Festival (Pre-Festival Club Series), (Detroit, Mi)

August 10, 2008 - Milford "Milford Memories" Jazz Festival (Milford, MI)

August 18, 2008 - "Jazz In The Grass" (Canton, MI)

June 1, 2007 - WVMV 98.7-Campus Martius Jazz Series
(Detroit, MI)

June 27, 2007 - Detroit International River Days Festival (Detroit, MI)

July 4, 2007 - Comerica City Festival (Detroit, MI)

July 28, 2007 - Southfield-"Eat To The Beat" Jazz Series (Southfield, MI)

GEQ Jazz Entertainment provides groups of musicians for entertainment at your function. Whether it’s an event that needs a single piano player for background music or an eighteen piece big band, GEQ Jazz will meet your entertainment needs.

”GEQ JAZZ TRIO” performs classic jazz for the smaller, more intimate venue. Guymon is featured playing jazz standard pieces with only a bass and keyboard for a quieter, yet highly affective presentation.

“THREE OF A KIND” featuring drummer/vocalist, Al Livingston is a threesome that brings the best of the Motown Sound, R&B, smooth jazz and blues. Livingston does Marvin Gaye, David Ruffin, Stevie Wonder and other great soul singers of the era. This versatile group can go from “rocking the house” with the hottest popular dance tunes to the smoothest of contemporary jazz for background.

“DJ, MICHAEL AUSTON” kicks out the best in dance music that appeals to all ages. Groovin’ to the oldies or dancing to the more contemporary appeals, Michael does it all.

VIDEOGRAPHY by: 'FRED MURRAY JR.' assures re-creation of your event's memories and emotions and are documented with care.

GEQ's second invitation to the Birmingham - First Baptist Church Jazz Vespers Series (January 20, 2008) was something special. The gracious audience is just what "the guys in the band" expected and appreciated. No conversation, no distractions and nothing to make it anything but an inspiration to GEQ to bring the best.

Inspired but the crowd of jazz "connoisseurs," GEQ made the best of a good thing. The set list was laced with selections from T. Monk, Wayne Shorter, "Dizzy" Gillespie, as well as originals from the pen of bandleader, Guymon Ensley. Sultry songstess, Sandra Bomar just "brought it" with her renditions of Sarah Vaughn's "Chuva" and the classic "Cheek To Cheek." The crowd was very famiiar with her past appearances at B Jazz and she surely didn't let them down this time. Saxxy Saxophonist Jeff Ponders did the fills on her tunes and it just made it even more appealing. Drummer, Bang Glenn didn't let up a bit on Ensley's composition, "Yop, Yop, Yop," which was a turn and change from GEQ's straignt ahead theme. Tickeling the keys, was Phil Lesky who colored the padded throughout and bassist Ibrahim Jones, who certainly didn't fall short of just "holding it all down." Overall, the GEQ horns, Guy and Jeff did their typical "up front" stand, backed by that GEQ rhythm section . . . a sound that's identifiable anywhere.

GEQ's brand new sound resonated inside Baker's Keyboard last night (October26, 07), leaving the patrons in disbelief. Besides being the best night this year for venue CD sales, the jazz lovers this night really got into the music. "The response from the crowd was great," says bandleader, Guymon Ensley. The night was full of original works from Guy's pen as well as two slammin arrangements of "Footprints" and "Get Ready" by Terrance Blanchard and Diego Rivera. Saxophonist, Songwriter, Jeff Ponders showed his stuff on both arrangements. Bassist Ibrahim Jones "acted up" on Ensley's "Yop, Yop" and "Nobody Knows I'm Here."

It's been almost a year since GEQ did their thing at the oldest Jazz Club in the world. But last night, September 28, the joint was swingin' with that GEQ style of classic jazz. The patrons were stunned when GEQ broke out two of Guy's original contemporary numbers from the 2006 release "MEET GUYMON ENSLEY." But the high point of the night was the presentation of a Diego Rivera arrangement of the old Motown tune "Get Ready," blown on alto saxophone by guest artist, Robert Reeves. Look for more of the same every third Thursday at Bakers

JUNE 27, 2007 - DETROIT INTERNATIONAL RIVER DAY FESTIVAL, Detroit,MI - Amongs the clouds of late afternoon, GEQ took the stage and gave the on lookers what they braved the rain to see. They came away with memories of GEQ arrangements of the likes of "Monk," "Parker" and "Miles" and the sassy vocal stylings of songstress DeAnna Weeden.

JUNE 28, 2007 - "EAT TO THE BEAT" OUTDOOR CONCERT, SOUTHFIELD,MI - The sounds of classic jazz echoed between the buildings in the Civic Center of Southfield. Vocalist DeAnna Weeden dazzled em again. Original tunes from the pen of Guymon Ensley were featured as well.

JULY 4, 2007 - COMERICA CITY FESTIVAL, DETROIT, MI - It was GEQ's privilege to perform at this noted event. The scene was just right in the early afternoon on this holiday for the lovers of classic jazz to bare witness. GEQ gave the more contempory jazz lovers a treat as well with a couple of Guy's. originals, not yet released. Guymon Ensley, Phil Lesky, Bang Glenn, and Josh Linkner, along with guest artists, bassist Ebrihim Jones and "saxxy" saxophonist Jeff Ponders gave the early afternoon crowd what they wanted and they "loved it!!!"

AUGUST 2, 2007 - CAMPUS MARTIUS JAZZ SERIES CONCERT, DETROIT, MI - GEQ seemed to have the most fun yet at this presentation. Among their regular reperoire, GEQ belting out four of Guymon's original works that seem to bridge classic jazz and "smooth" jazz, appeasing those who are connoisseurs of either genres.

AUGUST 18, 2007 - "JAZZ IN THE GRASS" OUTDOOR CONCERT, CANTON, MI - GEQ showed their contemporary jazz and R&B side at this outing. Saxophonist Jeff Ponders and bassist Ebrihim Jones "acted up," adding that natural "funk and soul" that they are widely known for.

www.detroitmusicawards.com

. . . a jazz ensemble that performs the finest in classic jazz and the more contemporary "nu-jazz" arrangements . . .

GUYMON ENSLEY ~ (bandleader) trumpet - www.MySpace.com/guymonensley PHIL LESKY ~ keyboards - www.MySpace.com/phillesky JEFF PONDERS ~ saxophones - www.Myspace.com/jsaxxy JOSH LINKNER ~ guitar - www.eprize.com IBRAHIM JONES - bass
NATE WINN - drums

. . . an independant record lable responsible for the release of two CDs: "Here Put This On" 2003, (GEQ) and "Meet Guymon Ensley" 2006,(Guymon Ensley)

Airplay for "Meet Guymon Ensley" and "Here Put This On" has reached as far as Australia, Denmark, Scotland and Italy. The sounds of our jazz is in Canada as well. Here in the States, parts of Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota and Connecticut are groovin' to the sounds of the cuts. Scroll down near the bottom of this page to check out the stations that are playing selections from each aof the CDs.

The GEQ "CD Bundle" is available at each of our performances. The "Bundle" consists of the 2003 release, "Here Put This On" and the 2006 release, "Meet Guymon Ensley," as well as the special GEQ Cap. It's a smart looking ball cap sporting the GEQ Jazz logo. You'll love it!!! You'll get a special surprise gift with the "Bundle" too. All this for just $25.00 . . . what a bargain!!!!!

www.detroitmusicawards.com

www.detroitmusicawards.com

Look out for it!!!! Soon, you'll start to see the GEQ Jazz logo on ball caps and T shirts. Don't panic, you'll be able to pick yours up on our new "PRODUCTS" page coming soon. You can still get them and other GEQ items at each of our performance venues.

"GEQ combines the essence of Be-Bop and Classic Jazz, as well as Post-Bop in our presentation. Our repertoire represents each of the eras. Each member of my band lives to play this American Artform and is dedicated to preserving its dignity. Bop-Jazz Izz Back!" - Guymon Ensley

MICHIGAN:
DJ Funknatra, www.mercy.edu/cstradio, University of Detroit Public Radio - Detroit, MI
Cliff Coleman, "Rhythm" WGPR, 107.5 - Detroit, MI
Calvin Euseary, "Rhythm" WGPR, 107.5 - Detroit, MI
Ed Love, WDET 101.9 - Detroit, MI
Linda Yohn, WEMU 89.1 - Ypsilanti, MI
Harvey McKnight, WGVU 88.5 - Grand Rapids, MI
Al Jonusas, WRHC 106.7 FM, Three Oaks, MI

STATES OUTSIDE OF MICHIGAN:
Steve Rubin, KZYX, Boonville, CA
Tony Patrone, KWEB FM, Claremont, CA
Kate Klein, KMUE, KMUD, KLAI, (Redwood Ciommunity Radio), Redway, CA
Joe Kelly, "The Upper Room" WVOF 88.5 FM - Fairfield, CT
Tony Marshal, WBKC (D&E Community Radio), Cleveland, OH
Wade Tolleson, WRUW FM, Cleveland, OH
David Basse, Kansas Public
Radio, Leawood, KA
Kenneth K. Matinez Burgmaler, Jazz Alley TV
Makawao, Hawaii
D. Oscar Groomes, O's Place Jazz Magazine, Naperville, Illinois
John Zeigler, KUMD FM, Duluth MN
Dusty Durst, NGQ Music Prod., Defiance, Missouri
Mary Nichols (DJ Fusion), WRSU 88.7 FM
New Brunswick, NJ

CANADA:
Yanick M. Theriault, CKUM 93.5 FM, Moncton, New Brunswick
Peter Stevens, CJAM FM, Windsor, Ontario

RADIO STATIONS OUTSIDE OF US
AUSTRALIA:
Michael Criddle, Triple H FM
Graham Johnson, 2CCR FM
Dick Hughes, Jazz Action Productions
David Wells, 91.3 FM
John MacInnes, Community Radio 3 Way FM
David Milne, Huon FM
Dennis Gardner, Highland FM
Sheril Berkovitch, 2CX O/' Hanlon Place, Gold Creek, Nicholis, ACT, Australia
Martin Wright, Radio 3ZZZ, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia

BALARUS:
Serge Kozlovsky, Minsk Radio

BELGIUM:
Salvatore Baldacchino, Radio TQV

ITALY:
Scazzola Giovanni Pietro, Radio Glod Popular Network
Maurizio Bernvenuti, Radio Incontro
Bruno Pollacci, Animajazz

NETHERLANDS:
Rob Van Alberda, Radio E-FM & E-TV

UNITED KINGDOM:
Stuart Hamilton, Zeitgeist/MetalUK/Space Rock

Charlie Bannister (Charter Member)
Rolanda Richardson
Lorna "The Gherk" Foster
Gisele Caver
Jerry Laster
Beatrice Birdsong
Marvin "Poncho" Turner (Posthumously)
Donna Akiba Sullivan
Kermit Hoggatt
Sam Sanders (Posthumously)
Maria Dorsey
Mike Lemon
Kevin Tunstull