Guymon Ensley ~ GEQ Jazz: Blog

My good friend and mentor presented me with the idea and encouraged me to start my own band.
After months of studying improvisation with saxophone great Sam Sanders, I was anxious to learn more about the music industry.  As part of my growth, I found myself making a point to see the performances of other accomplished trumpet players from this area, players like Rayse Biggs, Dwight Adams, John Douglas and of course, Jazz Legend, Marcus Belgrave. I thought long and hard and decided to follow Charley’s advice.   It took several weeks of planning and auditions to come up with the right complement of musicians to create GEQ (Guymon Ensley Quintet). In March of 2002, GEQ hit the stage and continues to record and perform. This year, we will celebrate GEQ’s tenth anniversary by creating a documentary of our musical journey. The documentary will reflect on many talented musicians that are/were members of the band, and whom I am proud to have worked with. In 2003 we [...]

It's pretty cool to share something that you and your brother have shared as little people. My little brother Kermit played clarinet through high school. But at the age of six, Mother started him with piano lessons. Those really paid off because early in his career he performed with numerous R&B bands, including a band with Grammy Award winner Anita Baker (before she started with Chapter Eight).  He has also served as church organist in several Music Ministries throughout the years.  
Kermit and I worked together as kids in a trumpet solo act, with me on trumpet and him on piano. Our Mother booked us frequently at church events and community functions, performing Baroque pieces such as Fur Elise, by Beethoven. More recently in 2006, we recorded tracks together during the recording of my second release "Meet Guymon Ensley" at the noted Harmony Park Studio in Detroit Michigan.
Now, my little brother and I are together again in the studio, recording [...]

Designed with Steppin' and Ballroom Dancing in mind
 
Designed for the adult dance crowd, "Key Of Gee"  is just the right tempo for Steppers. It starts with a fanfare type intro, but settles into a smooth groove for Stepping and Ballrooming. The ending swings big band style for an exciting conclusion to this number.
 
Guymon Ensley plays a smooth trumpet lead over a bumpin' rhythm section comprised of Dwayne Collins on rhythm guitar and bass, Phil Lesky on keys and Pete McAllister on drums. The tune is topped over with the introduction of the "Hoggie Horns".
Steppers won't have a problem with this lively number . . . so get to steppin' like nobody's watchin'!
Buy it now . . . at the GEQ Jazz STORE

It's been almost ten years since I started my band GEQ. There were several personnel changes during this span and I am happy to have worked with some of the finest musicians in Michigan. GEQ has performed on cruise ships touring the Caribbean and the Hawaiian Islands, and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and jazz festivals in Michigan. Our first CD, "Here Put This On" was released in 2003 and the EP, "Meet Guymon Ensley" in 2006. We were proud to receive nominations from the 2006 Detroit Music Awards for "Outstanding Jazz Group/Artist" and "Best Jazz Composer." So far it's been a BLAST!
 2011 was a time to re-tool, shift gears and re-direct. It was the time that I used to focus on my musicianship and to discover the many facets of this diamond that shine the brightest, and to polish those facets to make them shine even brighter.  I've surrounded myself with [...]

Those GEQ Jazz artists are spending a lot of time in the studio these days, working on the next product from the GEQ Jazz camp. The CD that's scheduled for release later this year will have more of an adult contemporary jazz flavor. "Writing for this album is a bit different than writing for my jazz quintet, 'GEQ'  .  .  . it takes me back to some of my R&B experiences that I've missed." Stay tuned for more updates on how the project is going.The "Getjazzed Trio" has stayed fairly busy, bringing its unique sounds of classic jazz arrangements to functions sponsored by such organizations  as  AARP, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Detroit Medical Center. "GEQ" has yet to schedule any public appearances due to the ongoing recording project, but look for the performance schedule coming soon  .  .  .  still swinging with  the best in classic jazz and  bebop, and those hot originals.   Visit [...]