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GEQ Jazz Entertainment - MUSIC GROUPS - March 11, 2008

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.

“TRIPLE THREAT” is a trio featuring Guymon Ensley, Jon Pettiford and vocalist Tonya Hood. The three combine to bring the best in exciting sequenced music. The rhythm section is sequenced under the trumpet and smooth fluegel horn stylings of Ensley. Pettiford adds the keyboards and sound effects to bring an amazing sound of a full band. Ms. Hood brings that sultry and exciting sound to complete the picture. From R&B and smooth jazz, to be-bop and Swing, this trio entertains listeners that appreciate a cross section of music genres.

“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.

GEQ . . . A Hit @ B Jazz Vespers - January 26, 2008

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 . . . A Hit At Baker's Again!!! - October 27, 2007

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."

GEQ's Return To Bakers - September 29, 2007

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

GEQ's Summer Jazz Festival and Outdoor Concert Reviews - August 26, 2007

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.

GEQ Receives Nomination by Detroit Music Awards For OUTSTANDING MODERN JAZZ ARTST/GROUP For 2007 - March 10, 2007

"GEQ" - December 25, 2006

. . . 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
BANG GLENN ~ drums
JOSH LINKNER ~ guitar

"GEQ Jazz Records" - December 22, 2006

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

AIR PLAY AROUND THE WORLD FOR "MEET GUYMON ENSLEY" AND "HERE PUT THIS ON" - September 24, 2006

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.

GEQ "CD Bundles" Will Be Available At Each Of Our Performances - August 21, 2006

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!!!!!

GEQ - 2006 Detroit Music Awards Nominee For "Outstanding Modern Jazz Group" - June 29, 2006

Trumpeter / Songwriter, Guymon Ensley - Detroit Music Awards Nominee For "Outstanding Jazz Composer" and "Outstanding Jazz Instrumentalist" In 2006 - June 28, 2006

GEQ Merchandise Coming Soon!!!!!!!! - April 28, 2006

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.

IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!! - April 27, 2006

Production on my new CD is done! It's available NOW!!! Click on the cover and get it first HERE on CD Baby or go to the CD/PROCUCT Page and download the cuts.

GUYMON ENSLEY: meet . . . Guymon Ensley

The EXTENDED PLAY CONTEMPORARY JAZZ CD containing three hot original tunes and a groovin instrumental remix of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hand." The CD bares the smooth trumpet stylings of Ensley on "She's On Her Way" and "What A Funk Down." If a tune with some steaming hot horns is your thing, then "Sonic n' C" will get your attention.

Order your copy now and let me know what you think in the GUESTBOOK. Still not convinced? Go to the MUSIC page and hear a clip of the tracks and then to the CD/PRODUCT page to purchase it or download selected cuts from the CD.

The CD features GEQ's own, Kerry Lacy, who lays down a super smooth fretless bassline on "GRANDMA'S HANDS." Other artists on the release are Kem's bassist, Al Turner, who also produced two of the tracks, and noted drummer, Ron Otis. Aretha Franklin's keyboardist, Mike Mindingall is on piano, synth bass and strings, along with Detroit's own Phil Hale on piano. Randal Wilson is on guitar and borrowed from the popular jazz group, "STRAIGHT AHEAD," is drummer, Gayelyn McKinney. The horn section features GEQ's own, Robert Reeves playing tenor saxophone along with the smooth tones from trombonist Richard McCall.

GEQ's "HERE PUT THIS ON" is still available !!!!!!!

This release is an example of the band’s “right in the chops” approach to jazz. It contains three swingin’ original compositions by Guymon Ensley and bassist Kerry Lacy, along with hard-hitting arrangements of tunes composed and performed by such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter and Charlie Parker. The CD was produced by trumpeter/bandleader Guymon Ensley and was released in August 2003 on the GEQ JAZZ RECORDS label. Click on the cover and get it first here on CD Baby or go to the CD/PRODUCTS page and download the cuts.


GEQ: Here. . . Put This On

Pick up "Meet Guymon Ensley" and GEQ's "Here Put This On" at the following Detroit area locations:

STREET CORNER MUSIC - SOUTHFIELD
DEARBORN MUSIC - DEARBORN
SIMPSONS MUSIC - DETROIT
ROCK A BILLIES - UTICA
RECORD TIMES - FARMINGTON HILLS AND ROSEVILLE
MELODIES AND MEMORIES - EAST POINT
FLIPSIDE MUSIC - CLAWSON
SWITCH ON MUSIC - NOVI

BOP-JAZZ IZZ BACK! - April 24, 2006

"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

A special thanks to the following radio stations for their continuous support of our CDs, "HERE PUT THIS ON" and "MEET GUYMON ENSLEY" - April 23, 2006

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

GEQ Jazz Honorary Members - April 22, 2006

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