JACK GRASSEL is a genre bending multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, author and educator known for his
adventurous concerts, 21 CDs, 13 books, 72 compositions, instructional DVD, numerous awards and a legion of very successful former students. Few followers of jazz are not familiar with at least part of his remarkable catalogue and few would dispute his place in the ranks of those who have forged their own path. He has developed a unique music by expanding concepts learned in lessons with Tal Farlow, Billy Bauer, Dave Holland, George Van Eps, George Pritchett, Lloyd Garber, Jimmy Wyble.
The top photo is me with the triple neck guitar, mandolin, bass and melodica at the 2014 Trout Jazz Concert Series.
Patrick Patterson said: "If Roland Kirk played guitar, this is what it would look like".
The photo below is Jill and me with the 8 string guitar at a concert in Mexico in 2017.
JILL JENSEN, jazz singer, entertains with no-holds-barred performances. An excited fan exclaimed: "her voice is 'Victoria's Secret for the ears". Onstage the married couple displays their impressive improvising abilities and telepathic interplay. The music is honest, aggressive and filled with creative surprises. Visit: www.jackandjilljazz.com
THE NEWS
- THE REAL BOOK - ALTERNATE CHANGES will be available everywhere soon. I re-harmonized all 462 pages with modern, adventurous and occasionally more correct changes. Pub. by HL.
- GARY C. BOGART on the new SNOW PEOPLE CD: " It’s very good. I’m not surprised. I can’t get over Jack’s version of California Dreamin’.
I wasn’t expecting that at all, which is what is so clever and unique about this CD. It’s not your everyday milquetoast, lame, boring, dull, sleepy-time, snore of a CD. It keeps your interest piqued. Well done you two."
Click this link to the Journal Times review: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/snow-people-a-first-for-local-musicians-jack-and-jill/article_3d96249a-4a97-5e45-bf0d-cec2df120e9d.html
- WISCONSIN RIFFS - JAZZ PROFILES FROM THE HEARTLAND
Kurt Dietrich's 574 page book is now in stores and at AMAZON.COM
- READ MY STUDY ON PERFECT PITCH - click Free Lessons above.
LINKS TO SIX MUSIC VIDEOS HERE (More on youtube)
1. Click: PASSAGE (1983) with Tom McGirr bass and Terry Smirl drums. It's my composition from the Thunder Stones CD.
2. Click: NOCTILUCENT VECTORS (1990) JG with Warren Wiegratz sax, Harold Miller bass, Ben Hans drums.
3. Click: JACK AND JILL (2014) The soundman recorded our Los Angeles concert in front of an audience of musicians. It’s now the enhanced CD "Jack and Jill Jazz". In addition to 12 CD tracks, a 3 song video plays on your computor.
For THREE MORE VIDEOS (triple neck, solo, duo) Point at AWARDS at top for pull down, click on VIDEOS.
LESSONS, SEMINARS, CONCERTS, RESIDENCIES
- I am occasionally available to give you a lesson at Schmitt Music in Racine WI. or online at your house using SKYPE.
- Get the TOP 20 JAZZ GUITAR LESSONS DVD and GUITAR SEEDS book (all 12 positions and how to connect them).
- Jill and I travel everywhere in the world to play and teach music.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guy Gregg, Director of Bands at Oak Creek High School:
"We were extremely fortunate to be able to host Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen as guest artists for our High School Jazz Ensemble Concert. Jack and Jill are consummate professionals who brought an incredible breadth of experience, knowledge, musicality and kindness to our classroom. They related to students and told incredible stories of their own musical journeys. They came to rehearsals and collaborated seamlessly while performing with our students. Jill offered sensitive musicality and advice that students do not get from anyone other than a passionate professional. Jack's virtuosity exposed elements unknown to our students, and opened their eyes to so many future possibilities. Above all, Jack and Jill are class acts and were shining role models for our students on how to treat each other and our music."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
adventurous concerts, 21 CDs, 13 books, 72 compositions, instructional DVD, numerous awards and a legion of very successful former students. Few followers of jazz are not familiar with at least part of his remarkable catalogue and few would dispute his place in the ranks of those who have forged their own path. He has developed a unique music by expanding concepts learned in lessons with Tal Farlow, Billy Bauer, Dave Holland, George Van Eps, George Pritchett, Lloyd Garber, Jimmy Wyble.
The top photo is me with the triple neck guitar, mandolin, bass and melodica at the 2014 Trout Jazz Concert Series.
Patrick Patterson said: "If Roland Kirk played guitar, this is what it would look like".
The photo below is Jill and me with the 8 string guitar at a concert in Mexico in 2017.
JILL JENSEN, jazz singer, entertains with no-holds-barred performances. An excited fan exclaimed: "her voice is 'Victoria's Secret for the ears". Onstage the married couple displays their impressive improvising abilities and telepathic interplay. The music is honest, aggressive and filled with creative surprises. Visit: www.jackandjilljazz.com
THE NEWS
- THE REAL BOOK - ALTERNATE CHANGES will be available everywhere soon. I re-harmonized all 462 pages with modern, adventurous and occasionally more correct changes. Pub. by HL.
- GARY C. BOGART on the new SNOW PEOPLE CD: " It’s very good. I’m not surprised. I can’t get over Jack’s version of California Dreamin’.
I wasn’t expecting that at all, which is what is so clever and unique about this CD. It’s not your everyday milquetoast, lame, boring, dull, sleepy-time, snore of a CD. It keeps your interest piqued. Well done you two."
Click this link to the Journal Times review: https://journaltimes.com/news/local/snow-people-a-first-for-local-musicians-jack-and-jill/article_3d96249a-4a97-5e45-bf0d-cec2df120e9d.html
- WISCONSIN RIFFS - JAZZ PROFILES FROM THE HEARTLAND
Kurt Dietrich's 574 page book is now in stores and at AMAZON.COM
- READ MY STUDY ON PERFECT PITCH - click Free Lessons above.
LINKS TO SIX MUSIC VIDEOS HERE (More on youtube)
1. Click: PASSAGE (1983) with Tom McGirr bass and Terry Smirl drums. It's my composition from the Thunder Stones CD.
2. Click: NOCTILUCENT VECTORS (1990) JG with Warren Wiegratz sax, Harold Miller bass, Ben Hans drums.
3. Click: JACK AND JILL (2014) The soundman recorded our Los Angeles concert in front of an audience of musicians. It’s now the enhanced CD "Jack and Jill Jazz". In addition to 12 CD tracks, a 3 song video plays on your computor.
For THREE MORE VIDEOS (triple neck, solo, duo) Point at AWARDS at top for pull down, click on VIDEOS.
LESSONS, SEMINARS, CONCERTS, RESIDENCIES
- I am occasionally available to give you a lesson at Schmitt Music in Racine WI. or online at your house using SKYPE.
- Get the TOP 20 JAZZ GUITAR LESSONS DVD and GUITAR SEEDS book (all 12 positions and how to connect them).
- Jill and I travel everywhere in the world to play and teach music.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guy Gregg, Director of Bands at Oak Creek High School:
"We were extremely fortunate to be able to host Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen as guest artists for our High School Jazz Ensemble Concert. Jack and Jill are consummate professionals who brought an incredible breadth of experience, knowledge, musicality and kindness to our classroom. They related to students and told incredible stories of their own musical journeys. They came to rehearsals and collaborated seamlessly while performing with our students. Jill offered sensitive musicality and advice that students do not get from anyone other than a passionate professional. Jack's virtuosity exposed elements unknown to our students, and opened their eyes to so many future possibilities. Above all, Jack and Jill are class acts and were shining role models for our students on how to treat each other and our music."
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________