Who is Brian Grace? I am a jazz composer/saxophonist/multi-instrumentalist with a prog-rock mentality. I wholeheartedly embrace the subtleties, flavors & traditions of jazz, but I also love the sheer power & emotion of rock! Originally from Maryland, I've now resided in all 3 major cities of California - San Francisco, San Diego & Los Angeles; for a long time now, I can call the great city of Long Beach, CA my home. I possess 30+ years of musical experience, which includes playing live with bands, solo sax performances and studio session work. My musical influences are incredibly varied, and you will hear a wide mixture of styles - sometimes within the very same tune (i.e. "Stratosphere"). I love writing in mixed-time signatures, but it’s never merely academic for its own sake; it’s always inspired by the highly variable rhythmic figures dancing in my head. Within my musical realm, everything is vital - melody, harmony & rhythm; tight structures as well as unbridled improvisation. From a song's "big picture," to the tiniest gradations - it all matters in the end. Music that appeals directly on first listen…then rewards the listener with newly discovered nuances upon repeated listening. I call it "Prog Jazz." Enjoy responsibly. Rinse & repeat. ;)
The Music - My 3 latest CD's
Long Beach (EP) - New 2022 Release!
Sample the tunes & get your copy today!
"Long Beach" is my latest jazz-rock sonic adventure, marrying unforgettable melodies with exquisite rhythms, featuring an All-Star cast of L.A. musicians to help deliver my unique "Prog Jazz" conception. Featuring the unbelievable rhythm section of Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allen Holdsworth) on drums, Mike Miller (Gino Vannelli, Boz Skaggs) on guitars, and Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets, Jeff Lorber) on bass, plus Grammy-nominated Otmaro Ruíz on organ. Each tune conveys an original jazz statement unto its own; from the odd-meter intensity of “The Gathering Storm,” to the jazz-reggae melodicism of “Autumn in Long Beach,” to the reflective and pensive “Learning to Live Again,” this harmonious EP is my heartfelt tribute to the funky cool city I call home!
Stratosphere (EP)
Sample the tunes & get your copy today!
A deliciously cosmic gumbo of jazz fusion and rock, 2017's "Stratosphere" will elevate your senses to a musical place beyond the norm! With Grammy winning artists such as Jimmy Haslip (bass) & John Daversa (trumpet) onboard as well as an A-team of L.A. studio cats, this is music that really delivers into the high clouds. Features the genre-busting title track with Scott Kinsey (keys) and Jeff Richman on guitars, as well as myself playing sax and other multiple instruments. Not necessarily for the short-attention spanned listener, although all are welcome!
The streets of San francisco (full length CD)
Sample the tunes & get your copy today!
2015's "The Streets of San Francisco" is a jazz fusion homage to Brian Grace's favorite city. It's a place he called home in the 1990's for 3 years while being stationed as a sax player in the Army Band at the Presidio. Each song title is a different S.F. street name, with the music telling a unique jazz story about each one. Features drum luminaries Chad Wackerman, Prairie Prince & Josh Freese. Highly recommended deep listening!
