Question: When we listen to music, do we really hear it?

But I have a fun challenge for you. The next time you hear a familiar vocal tune, really listen and try not to sing along---try not to dance or even show any outward sign of "groovin'" to the tune. Just LISTEN and try to HEAR everything that's making that song appealing to YOU. I can almost guarantee that you'll HEAR instruments or background singing that are actually supporting and enhancing the lead singer or instrument. Try to resist dancing to a funk beat and LISTEN and HEAR the rhythm of the other instrument that supports or contributes to making it funky.

Just take time to challenge yourself--not to do your usual. I believe you'll be surprised at what you hear--- and in the end, you’ll really appreciate the music you LISTEN to and HEAR even more.

Hey. . . then drop a comment to me and tell me what you think.  

In 1971, "Grandma's Hands" was featured on Bill Withers' debut album Just As I Am. It reached #18 on R&B Singles chart and #42 on the Billboards Hot 100 chart. The song is a touching tribute to those adorable people we graciously refer to as "Grandma."

download it now on CD Baby

Also available on: Amazon, ITunes and Rhapsody

Today, Thursday, March 22, 2012, marks the tenth anniversary of GEQ's debut at

It was a chilly Friday evening in Detroit on March 22, 2002, when then owner John Colbert invited GEQ to perform at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge. The band hit the stage of the oldest, continually operated jazz club in the world. Bandleader / trumpeter Guymon Ensley, saxophonist Cornelius "JuJu" Johnson, pianist Kem Pattilo, bassist Kerry Lacy and drummer "Bang" Glenn, all dressed impeccably in suits and ties, gave an electric performance that was received by a standing-room only audience

Ensley directed the band with a quiet dignity, representative of  performances by the legendary jazz ensembles of a long ago era when the listener was as classy as the players -- that style has become GEQ’s signature.  The rhythm section swung hard, the horn section unmistakably stated the melodies GEQ style and the solos were burnin’ hot!  GEQ’s debut was a success!

GEQ was honored to regularly perform at Baker’s. The establishment is noted throughout the world, not only for its longevity, but for the legends who performed at the corner of Livernois and Eight Mile Road in Detroit Michigan: Miles, Coltrane, Ella, Krupa, Corea, Callaway and Fatts-- Errol Garner, Betty Carter and Art Tatum to name a few .  .  . add to the list, GEQ (the Guymon Ensley Quintet).

John Colbert took a chance on GEQ and introduced us to an audience of real jazz lovers.  I will be forever grateful for his support and encouragement.“Thanks John”

After recording our first CD, 'Here Put This On,' WEMU Program Director, Linda Yohn took note of our music, giving us  this endorsement:  “One of Detroit area's hottest bands for the last two years has been GEQ, the (Guymon Ensley Quintet).”Linda continues to support GEQ and frequently plays cuts from the album on her show on WEMU FM 89.1.  Thank you for everything Linda, you're the best!

WDET’s on air personality and Jazz Historian Ed Love said "It is rare that a new band on the block gets the chance to perform at such a noted event as the Detroit International Jazz Festival in Detroit Michigan. He gave GEQ his endorsement to perform at the prestigious event in 2003.  Ed continues playing cuts from the CD 'Here Put This On' on his DESTINATION JAZZ program. Ed Love is noted for introducing listeners to new  artists and continues to play the classics of years gone by – what he likes to call 'Ed Love Flashbacks' on WDET 101.9 FM. “Thank you Ed." 

Jamaica became our second home, aboard several Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Thanks to 'Blue World Travel' in San Francisco, California, GEQ performed to worldwide audiences during five separate 'Festival At Sea' Cruises. The exposure was outstanding for the band, giving the world a chance to hear our music. “Thanks Blue World.”

These are only four of many people and organizations that have contributed to GEQ's success. The DVD will be a chronology of our journey, with original music, photos and video. Stay tuned, it will be available soon!!!

I want to give you something . . . FREE -- music!  It's certainly not a throw away track that only has the potential of being a CD filler. I wrote and recorded it about six years ago and it still has an appealing groove.

The tune, "What A Funk Down" is one of two songs produced by bassist Al Turner. He has produced songs for Earl Kluge, Bob James, Tim Bowman, Edgar Wallace, Jr. and so many others. After composing the bass line, it was easy to write the rest of the tune around it. The tune features my trumpet lead over a really funky rhythm section comprised of Ron Otis - drums, Phil Hale - keyboards and DeSabata Robinson - guitar and of course, Al on bass. In my opinion, "What A Funk Down” was the favorite of the two tunes  partly because he had a chance to sing on this one. If you listen closely to the break in the middle of the song, you can hear him sing - "Uhh . . .what a funk down . . ." 

It's yours FREE!!! Download it now on CD Baby!!! Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

I’d like your opinion on a matter that many recording artists have had on their minds at one time or another. Many of us love to write, perform, dance to, groove by, meditate to or otherwise appreciate music from more than one genre.  Whether its classic jazz, smooth jazz, contemporary jazz, fusion, reggae, Latin funk, R&B, blues, county, hip hop, bebop, rap, bap, slap, clap, gospel, Christian rock, contemporary Gospel, sock bop, slip lock, pop knot, pop hop, pot mark or hip lock, there's usually more than one kind of music that moves us.

As artists, we have a tendency to record a CD that is of only one genre. Our projects most often consist of songs that "can" be categorized into one category. Even though the different types of music are pigeon-holed into particular genres of music (which may or may not mean anything), the contrast may not be as wide as the difference, in let’s say, country and hard metal or rock and baroque. However, it may be as close as smooth jazz and R&B or funk and fusion. You may enjoy listening to Earth Wind and Fire's "Gratitude," but would you enjoy hearing James Brown's "Hot Pants" as the next cut on the CD?  In your own music collection, if you are in the mood for Motown and selected The Temptations’ “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” would your mood change if the next song segued to “What Is Hip” by Tower of Power.

As an artist, I've primarily written, performed or recorded at least three different genres of music; classic jazz, contemporary jazz/R&B and contemporary Gospel. As you know, my band and I are currently writing and recording a new CD. My dilemma is this: should I include music from more than one genre on this project? I’m speaking of classic jazz (straight ahead jazz), contemporary jazz and R&B.   

What’s your opinion? . . . whata ya think? 

I appreciate you as a fan of my music. Your opinion is valuable and I thank you for taking time to leave your comment.

y 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 released our first CD “Here Put This On” and one Extended Play CD “Meet Guymon Ensley” along with three single releases.  We are currently in the studio working on a contemporary jazz CD that will be available later in the year.  Until completion of the new project, you can download single releases from the GEQ Jazz STORE.

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Charley and I became acquainted in 1998 when I was hired to teach at his school, the Detroit Drum School, a retail music store and teaching facility.  He was a gentle, gentleman who loved teaching. Several of his students went on to be successful teachers, musicians and performers. In 2004 GEQ was honored to perform at the last annual exhibition.  However, he was unable to attend because of failing health. He was truly touched by the expressions of love and respect. 

In a letter dated, October 4, 2003, Charley congratulated me on the success of the band and it’s first CD. He went on to say in the letter, “Each musician in the band displays top of the line professional talent in the field of music.  Keep up the good work and GEQ will become renowned as one of the jazz groups to hear."

Charley has been my inspiration throughout my experience as a musician and bandleader.  As I was composing the song “Goodbye Charley” in his honor, I did so, often visualizing him standing and shifting from side side as he often did. Charley Bannister quietly left us on October 7, 2004. He touched the lives of many people. He was loved by his family and friends -- respected and adored by his students. Without Charley, there would be no GEQ.

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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 for my upcoming release "This Comes With It." The picture above of is him between takes, when we decided to just have some fun during the recording of "Brother Two Brother 3" which I wrote for him and me. I am the second (two) of three brothers and he's the third (3). We had a great time doing the recording, as he laid down a funky clavinet track and then a really "nasty" piano track that really rocks the tune. I knew that he liked a kicked up, "low down" sort of groove. At the same session was my good friend and associate producer, guitarist/bassist Dwayne Collins who matched Kermit's style on the rhythm guitar.

A talented bass player, Kamau Inaede, put down a soulfully filled track for the bottom on which everything else is being built. The hard hittin' Hoggie Horns, comprised of saxophonist Ben Pruitt, trombonist Richard McCall, saxophonist Fred Bergan and myself, round out the groove with some of what I call  "squeeze play." 

You'll get a chance to add the"BROTHER Two BROTHER 3" MP3 to your play list as a single before the CD release in a few weeks. I'll let you know when the cut is ready, so STAY TUNED!!!

GEQ .  .  . still swingin' and groovin' hard as ever!!!!!

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 talented, like minded musicians and people who have become a part of GEQ Jazz's expansion. You can expect us to continue to "Swing & Groove," bringing you the best in jazz.

Throughout 2011, I have spent many days and nights in the studio writing and recording material that will become part of my new project entitled "This Comes With It." It is a contemporary jazz collection of my compositions that the band has a chance to stamp that GEQ swing onto, and to stir it up with a little R&B and fusion. I plan to release several singles from the project in the coming months. I'll notify you each time the singles are available for downloading from the GEQ Jazz web site.

I want to thank you for your continued support. I love what I do and I've waited quite a long time to have this opportunity to do it. I'll keep you posted on the release dates and upcoming listening events as well as the CD's progress and scheduled appearances, so STAY TUNED!!!