Jeff Golub "Grand Central"

Cool-toned, crisp and clean, the lyrical contemporary jazz guitar of Jeff Golub is voiced in settings as diverse as the people who pass through New York’s Grand Central Station, for which his forthcoming album is named. Grand Central has a distinct New York City vibe and it’s an album that captures the artist in his own unique element. Narada Jazz/Blue Note Label Group will release the disc nationally in record stores on March 6th.

Through his six previous solo releases, Golub has forged an identity for his bluesy guitar melodies that have consistently risen to the top of the smooth jazz radio and album charts. His records are raw and honest renderings that incorporate blues, R&B, jazz, pop and rock. Golub has a gift for being able to play equally with fiery passion as well as with a relaxed restraint that allows his guitar to emote vocally. Grand Central was recorded mostly with a live band in New York City studios with New York City musicians, many of whom Golub regularly jams and improvises with in local clubs when at home. Guest appearances and contributions to the record were made by Rick Braun, Richard Elliot, Kirk Whalum, Philippe Saisse and Paul Brown. The disc was produced by Golub along with Steven Miller. Living in New York City requires being in a constant state of communication with people, whether spoken or unspoken. The goal of Grand Central was to capture the constant communication and interaction between musicians.

Golub wrote or co-wrote eight new songs for Grand Central in addition to covering Sly Stone’s “If You Want Me To Stay,” George Harrison’s “Something” (produced by Brown), and the soulful “Ain’t No Woman,” on which saxophonist Elliot shines. The album opens and closes with dynamite starting with a wall of horns on “Hello Betty” and wrapping with “Stuffin It,” a salute to the stellar group of session players (Eric Gale, Richard Tee, Steve Gadd, Gordon Edwards and Chris Parker) who used to jam in New York City clubs in the 1970s and 1980s. In between, the moods and sounds vary. “Lulu’s Back” shuffles along with powerful blasts of horns and organ. “Mojito” has a swinging groove and an acoustic guitar lead. “Shockwave” also swings with electricity and fusion-like riffs. “Slinky” is a down tempo blues duet with Whalum. The title track is energetic and effervescent and “The Way I Feel Tonight” is a laid back acoustic number.

To support the album release, Golub will again be co-headlining the perennial fan-favorite “Guitars & Saxes” tour with concert dates starting in the spring that will run through summer. On the national trek, he’ll be sharing the stage with Whalum, Gerald Albright and Tim Bowman.

Initially Golub made a name for himself as an in-demand sideman during long-term gigs backing rock stars Rod Stewart and Billy Squire. He released his solo debut in 1988, but then recorded several successful albums in the mid-1990s under his band name, Avenue Blue, which established him as a core artist in contemporary jazz. Golub returned to recording under is own name in 1999 and has flourished ever since

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