Media Photos & Program Bios
JACK AND JILL
Jack Grassel and Jill Jensen, partners in marriage and music, have entertained throughout the world since 1998. Together they've recorded four CDs, contributing to each other's music both technically and spiritually. Reviews of the CD Jack and Jill Jazz include: "astonishing virtuosity and deep emotional engagement" and "swinging, tender and often exquisite performances by the very appealing couple". It's About the Music garnered three WAMI award nominations: CD of the Year, Traditional Jazz Artists of the Year, and Song of the Year. In 2016 they were nominated: Jazz Artists of the Year.
Visit: www.jackandjilljazz.com
JACK GRASSEL REMAINS A POSITIVE FORCE ON THE EVER CHANGING MUSIC LANDSCAPE
Mr. Grassel was a professional musician since his first paying gig on a concert stage at age 6, initiating a career of over 14,000 performances, many with "name" artists including Luciano Pavarotti. He is a genre bending triple-neck multi-instrumental guitarist, vocalist, composer and author known for his adventurous concerts, awards, 21 CDs,
15 books, 70 compositions, a DVD (Top 20 Jazz Guitar Lessons) and a legion of successful former students. Few followers of creative music are not familiar with at least part of his 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 from lessons with: George Pritchett, Tal Farlow, Lloyd Garber, Jimmy Wyble and George Van Epps. Jack plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulehle, keys, bass and sings.He has received numerous awards. In a nationwide poll, readers of Guitar One Magazine voted him "One of the Ten Best Guitarists in America." Visit: www.jackgrasseljilljensen.com/
Mr. Grassel was a professional musician since his first paying gig on a concert stage at age 6, initiating a career of over 14,000 performances, many with "name" artists including Luciano Pavarotti. He is a genre bending triple-neck multi-instrumental guitarist, vocalist, composer and author known for his adventurous concerts, awards, 21 CDs,
15 books, 70 compositions, a DVD (Top 20 Jazz Guitar Lessons) and a legion of successful former students. Few followers of creative music are not familiar with at least part of his 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 from lessons with: George Pritchett, Tal Farlow, Lloyd Garber, Jimmy Wyble and George Van Epps. Jack plays guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulehle, keys, bass and sings.He has received numerous awards. In a nationwide poll, readers of Guitar One Magazine voted him "One of the Ten Best Guitarists in America." Visit: www.jackgrasseljilljensen.com/
JILL JENSEN
Prior to teaming up with Jack, Ms. Jensen enjoyed a wide-ranging career that included modeling, singing with bands, troupes and choirs, plus acting in plays and narration projects. Today she is seen in commercials including Foreman Grills, as a WGTD Radio Theatre Player and the 2nd season of The Joe Pera Show. Jill has recorded five CDs becoming an Olympic gymnast among jazz singers, leaping around and across phrases with breathtaking ease. She infuses her delivery with soulfulness, power and seduction. Her mother wrote that Jill's first spoken words were "Where's the music?" and "See my pretty dress." Jack says "she hasn't changed".
Visit: www.jackgrasseljilljensen.com/
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
"This CD is world class. An art form. A true gift. One of the finest, most creative, ensemble recordings ever done. It is marvelous, wonderful, tremendous, fresh, exciting, superb; it more than entertains, it tells a story. Jack’s playing is outstanding. Jill ‘s gorgeous voice is thrilling. Musicianship throughout is remarkable. So much work! All emotions are covered in this musical journey. I laughed at ‘Benny‘s‘; choked up at ‘Come in From the Rain‘; I was totally touched deeply inside. Oh, and the gorgeous strings in ‘Lonely Woman‘! I felt Jill was singing just to me, she makes a listener feel so special, it warms your heart. This music will be around for long time." Dr. Nick Contorno - Marquette University
"Let the organic feeling of Jill's sensual voice enchant you with a sound to remember the rest of your life." Jim Glynn - WMSE Jazz Radio
"Jensen's voice sparkles for the sheer delight of singing. She wraps around words and their emotional implications". Dave Luhrssen - Shepherd Express
THE JACK AND JILL STORY by Scott Yanow, jazz reviewer / author
Singer Jill Jensen and guitarist Jack Grassel are a musical love story. Before they met, Jill was a talented jazz singer who also acted in plays, commercials and videos. Jack was a highly rated guitarist who recorded many CDs, written ten guitar instruction books and worked on a countless number of gigs. They teamed up in 1999 when Jill was added to Jack's regular band.
Their first performance together was at the club where they met. Already the magic between them was apparent and they were soon married. Jill recalls, “One night our bassist couldn't make it for a gig. People said we sounded better as a duo. It's been the two of us ever since. It's great because 'the whole band' fits into one car!”
Since 2000, Jack and JIll have performed extensively as a duo, delighting audiences with exciting renditions of jazz. “Jack refined his abilities to play melody, harmony and bass lines together, so we're able to get a very big sound for two people,” says Jill. Jack adds, “I've played around 12,000 gigs in my life, 11,000 of them without Jill. Playing the last 1,000 gigs with someone I love adds an extra dimension to the music." With the release of the CD Jack And Jill Jazz, their artistry is fully on display.
Jack and Jill are always interested in traveling (they toured winters in Mexico for 21 years) and play jazz festivals, concerts and fine venues. However they're quick to add that they both love being home in Wisconsin. “We live on a bike trail near beautiful Lake Michigan where we enjoy the drama of the seasons, and family".