Sound Advice by Irv Grossman Sextet

I was playing a jam session at the great bassist’s house; John Ray, and John said, “Hey, why not write some sextet charts for the next session, it’s a shame to have all the horns playing in unison.” I hadn’t written for sextet before, so I went online and bought a dozen or so sextet charts and started studying the scores. I taught myself how to write for three horns. The first number of charts weren’t very good, but I listened to all the feedback, asked a ton of questions, and kept studying the scores. Through trial and error, and numerous sextet gigs, I now have a book of charts and an incredible band that I’m really proud of. Tenor saxophonist Sam Dillon reached out to producer and label owner Cory Weeds having recorded for him before and pitched the idea. I was delighted that Weeds was into it. My concept when forming bands is to surround myself with musicians who are better than me. This is the way that I learn. I like being pushed and challenged by really good musicians. Sam Dillon, Andrew Gould, and Jimmy O’Connell are long-time friends. They step onto the stage with a deep knowledge of jazz, but also with a personal chemistry. I am lucky to call them my friends and we share a great love of jazz. These guys are hilarious! Every gig is truly fun! The rhythm section for this CD is jazz royalty here in NY. Dave Hazeltine, Billy Drummond, and Todd Coleman are highly sought after extraordinary musicians that I am honored to play with.

Irv Grossman
July 2024
New York

Trumpeter Irv Grossman lives in Queens, NY. He studied trumpet with Gil Johnson at the University of Miami, and then privately with Vince Penzarella. Irv also studied with Lew Soloff, two years of incredible lessons & elite madness! Irv loves jazz and always has since his Mom played him Giant Steps and Kind of Blue when he was a little boy. Irv plays a Bach Artisan and a Yamaha 631 flugelhorn.