By Esther Callens
Bringing a wonderfully unique sound and style is vocalist Les Grant. His latest, Way Forward Way Back puts a new spin on some remarkable jazz standards. He is a stellar artist with plenty of panache.
Les is an unforgettable singer. He is a modern cut of the fantastic swing era. His music is full of energy – and that is something that’s profoundly evident.
Additionally, Les is equally comfortable on the paced tunes such as “I Get Along Without You Very Well” (Except Sometimes) and “My Funny Valentine” as well as bluesy melodies like “One For My Baby (And One More For The Road)”– which are featured on his album. He is outstanding.
Les Grant is quite the talent. In addition to his distinctive vocals, he is an actor, businessman, entrepreneur and writer. He has appeared off-Broadway, in independent films, regional theatre, commercials and even done voice-overs. He attended Circle in the Square’s Musical Theatre Program in NYC, studied acting at the Wilma Theatre. He wrote and starred in the one-person show Lonesome When You Go, which was featured at the Pulse Ensemble Theatre’s OPAL series and selected by the NBC network for their PSNBC program in New York.
Additionally, he is a former member of the University of Pennsylvania’s award-winning Counterparts vocal jazz ensemble. He and his band, The Les Grant 5, perform frequently in New York and throughout Europe.
Track Personnel: Les Grant (vocals), John Chin (piano), John Ellis (sax), Matt Povalka (bass), Dan Rieser (drums).
Track listing: Blues Skies (Radio Edit), You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To, I’m Old Fashioned, I Get Along Without You Very Well (Except Sometimes), One For My Baby (And One More For The Road), Angel Eyes, Old Devil Moon, You And The Night And The Music, My Funny Valentine, Blue Skies (full).
