GEQ . . . a hit again @ the 2010 Gigantic Puff
JR Cigar of Southfield out did themselves this time at the annual 2010 "GIGANTIC PUFF." This one was the biggest and last 
event of its kind to be held at an indoor facility due to the new legislation regarding smoking indoors. Close to eight hundred enjoyed the jazzy sounds of "GEQ." Joining GEQ on stage this time, was the sassy "Daisy Love." She lefted the crowd with her version of "Mercy, Mercy" as well as other hot standards. GEQ was surely at it again with selections from the standards book and Guymon's original pieces. The food was great and it was a "Class Act" again JR Cigar. I know that you'll find a way to do it even better next year.
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.
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 tim
es 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.