George Gruntz

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George Gruntz

George Gruntz (b. Basle, Switzerland, June 24, 1932) is a Swiss jazz pianist, organist, harpsichordist, keyboardist and composer most noteworthy for his work with artists such as Phil Woods, Roland Kirk, Don Cherry, Chet Baker, Art Farmer, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin and Mel Lewis.

From 1972 to 1994 he served as artistic director for the JazzFest Berlin. Gruntz is also an accomplished arranger and composer, having been commissioned by many orchestras and symphonies.

[edit] Select Discography

The following is a pretty complete list of George Gruntz's works--many are hard to find, but they have been available: Radio Days, 2007 (available only through Euromusic: a compilation of WDR Big Band performances over several decades, with much exciting music, some of which appears on other CDs, but performances are exciting enough to warrant separate ownership);

Tiger by the Tail, 2006 Concert Big Band;
Noon in Tunisia, 2006;
The Magic of a Flute, 2005;
Mental Cruelty, 2003 (1960 Jazz Soundtrack);
30+70 The One Hundred Years of George Gruntz (available as download);
Akt 2: Aria for George Gruntz (available as download);
Brainplay #3 George Gruntz Percussion Ensemble (available as download);
Global Excellence, 2001;
Symphonie les Echanges, 2000 (available as download);
Ringing the Luminator--Piano Works by Gruntz and arrangements of pieces by others;
Merryteria, 1999 Concert Big Band;
Live at JazzFest Berlin, 1999 Concert Big Band;
Sins 'n Wins 'n Funs, 1996 (compilation of live performances from 1981-1997) Concert Big Band;
Mock-Lo-Motion, George Gruntz Trio with Franco Ambrosetti (tpt);
Ray Anderson Big Band Record, 1994;
Cosmopolitan Greetings, 1992 Big Band;
Beyond Another Wall: Live In China1992; TCB Records)
First Prize, 1989 Concert Big Band;
Happening Now, 1897 Big Band;
Theater, 1984 Big Band.