Press Release 9/1/23
Dazzle at the Arts Complex is thrilled to announce its first week-long Residency with internationally renowned jazz trumpet touring and recording artist Greg Gisbert. Greg’s influence on the Jazz community transcends generations as he enters the 5th decade of his electric career. He prefers to work in the background, connecting people, giving advice, and introducing fellow musicians to new musical styles. He gives freely and is appreciated by musicians around the world. This week is Greg’s opportunity to spotlight both the best that Denver’s musicians have to offer and include some international talent to spice things up.
Each show in the Residency has a completely different musical style, intergenerational artistic pairings, and Greg’s neverending mentorship as he brings internationally renowned and new-to-Denver musicians to Dazzle’s stage.
There is an overarching theme of Mental Wellness, Community Support, and Awareness for each of the shows in the Residency. Dazzle is amplifying these messages by making the United Suicide Survivors the Nonprofit of the Month. Donations can be added to all tickets purchased throughout September.
(Click on each show for a complete description and bios of the artists.)
Electric Gizz
Saturday, September 23 – 7PM
Tickets: https://www.dazzledenver.com/live-music/#/events?event_id=80141
Electric Gizz was founded & created By Greg Gisbert & Mickey Lenny (AKA Michael Lenssen). Joining them tonight will be Sonya Walker (keyboards) Conner Terrones (Bass & Guitar) and introducing newcomer to Denver Jaik Hakkarinen (Drums/percussion).
Greg Gisbert & Art Lande
Monday, September 25 – 7PM
Tickets: https://www.dazzledenver.com/live-music/#/events?event_id=80139
Grammy-nominated Art Lande is considered one of the premiere improvisational jazz pianists today. He began piano at age 4, studied at Williams College & moved to San Francisco in 1969. He has mostly carved out his own singular path throughout his career, taking the innovations of Bill Evans several steps further. In 1973 he recorded with Jan Garbarek and Ted Curson and in the mid-1970’s had started his own jazz school. In 1976 he formed the quartet Rubisa Patrol which recorded for ECM and lasted until 1983. After teaching for three years in Switzerland, Lande in 1987 moved to Boulder, Colorado. He appears in many of the “Who’s Who in Jazz” encyclopedias available today for his role in the development of “Chamber Jazz.”
Chie Imaizumi Little Big Band feat. Randy Brecker and Greg Gisbert
Wednesday & Thursday, September 27 & 28 – 6:30PM & 9PM
Tickets: https://www.dazzledenver.com/live-music/#/events
Performers:
Chie Imaizumi, Randy Brecker, Greg Gisbert, Peter Olstad, David Bernot, John Gunther, Zach Rich, Allison Young, Mike Abbott, Sonya Walker, Mark Simon, Paul Romaine, Leo Corona
The Gift of Jazz proudly presents a grand reunion show with Chie Imaizumi and Randy Brecker. Click the show title above for the official show description. The information below is not part of the official show description.
The themes of Mental Wellness, Community Support, and Awareness stem from these two days. The artists and Dazzle hope to encourage others to seek help without fear of stigma and increase the understanding that we all deal with mental wellness issues to various degrees. Sometimes these issues are easy for us to see but not easy for us to understand. Not all wounds are visible, but that doesn’t make them any less real or minimize their need for healing.
“These two days are a pure expression of healing, recovery, love, and support. Music is an oasis for both the musicians and the audience.” ~Greg Gisbert
The worst part about mental wellness issues is that many people consider asking for help to be a sign of weakness. It’s quite the opposite. It’s okay to not be okay. We just happen to be going through difficult times.
Chie’s compositions are story and emotion based. She is even orchestrating special music for September’s shows. Chie’s music takes the listeners on a journey through the many emotional worlds we have all experienced including darkness, loneliness, struggle, fear, hopelessness, and anger then through the worlds of joy, happiness, love, forgiveness, trust, hope, triumphs, peace, and genuine human connection.
“Since I know how these emotions feel, I’d like to inspire others to know they’re not alone, by expressing my real, raw, and vulnerable feelings through my artistic creations, music.” ~Chie Imaizumi
Greg Gisbert Bio
Jazz trumpeter Greg Gisbert’s eclectic career is in its 5th decade. His resume includes recordings, tours, multiple television performances / movie & TV soundtracks with such icons as Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Horace Silver, Frank Wess, Jimmy Heath, Buddy Rich, Clark Terry, Sarah Vaughn, Mel Torme Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Wynton Marsalis, Maria Schneider, Dizzy Gillespie all stars w/ John Lee, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Chie Imaizumi (producer) & more.
Gisbert has held professorships & artist in residence as well as a highly respected featured guest artist for dozens of colleges & conservatories most notably Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, U of Miami, CU Boulder & is currently a faculty member of the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts.
From 1989-2000 & 2010-2015, he was highly in demand on Broadway & in the studios of NYC.
Greg Gisbert moved HOME to Denver in 2015 & brings his vast world-class experience, creativity & enthusiasm with him.